Table of Contents
Does leukemia affect red or white blood cells?
Leukemia leads to uncontrolled production of abnormal white blood cells, the essential part of the immune system to rapidly grow and divide. These white blood cells are not fully developed and are called blasts or leukemia cells. They largely interfere the production of red blood cells and platelets.
Can you have leukemia with normal WBC?
At the time of diagnosis, patients can have very, very high white blood cell counts. Typically a healthy person has a white blood cell count of about 4,000-11,000. Patients with acute or even chronic leukemia may come in with a white blood cell count up into the 100,000-400,000 range.
Does leukemia cause low blood count?
Because some conditions occur as side effects of the disease, the following may be signs of leukemia: Anemia: A low red blood cell count. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body. This condition may contribute to weakness, fatigue or shortness of breath.
Does a normal CBC rule out leukemia?
CBC is the most useful initial laboratory test in patients suspected of having leukemia. Most patients will show some abnormality in the CBC and some blasts will be seen in the peripheral smear in patients with acute leukemias. To diagnose CLL, a lymphocytosis of greater than 5000/mm3 must be present.
Can leukemia cause low WBC?
People with CLL may also have a high or low white blood cell count. Because their bone marrow is producing too many abnormal white blood cells, they don’t have enough normal cells. As a result, they may experience frequent infections that don’t go away on their own.
What type of leukemia has low white blood cell count?
CLL is a cancer of B lymphocytes, which usually work to help fight infections. People with CLL may also have a high or low white blood cell count. Because their bone marrow is producing too many abnormal white blood cells, they don’t have enough normal cells.
Is white blood count low with leukemia?
What does it mean when your white blood cells are low?
If red cells, white cells, and platelets all have low levels, it is called pancytopenia. Pancytopenia is a sign, not a disease in and of itself. Pancytopenia can be caused by leukemia or other diseases of the bone marrow, a side effect of chemotherapy or radiation treatment, an autoimmune condition, or the result of an infection.
What kind of leukemia causes high white blood cell count?
Different types of leukemia can be indicated by different blood test results. Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) may cause a large number of immature white cells (lymphoblasts) in the blood, as well as low numbers of red blood cells and platelets. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) may cause pancytopenia.
What causes a low platelet count in cancer patients?
A low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) means your body can’t stop itself from bleeding. What causes low blood cell counts? Common cancer-related causes of low blood cell counts include: Chemotherapy. Certain chemotherapy drugs can damage your bone marrow — the spongy material found in your bones.
When do you need a complete blood count for leukemia?
Complete blood count (CBC) is a common blood test often performed for people living with leukemia. If a CBC shows high or low numbers of any type of blood cell, this can help doctors better understand how your leukemia and any treatments for leukemia are affecting your body.