Your Health Concerns: Tumor and Blood Cancer Insights

Various physical conditions

Doctor: Because I am someone who easily worries and gets anxious about my health, I often ask various questions.
I still have some conditions I would like to confirm.

1.
Since January of this year, my morning body temperature has been around 36.7°C.
By noon to 9 PM, it rises to 37-37.2°C, and I feel a bit warm and have dry mouth.
After 10 PM, it drops to around 36.5°C.
I have undergone many blood tests (general, rheumatology, and immunology), as well as chest and abdominal ultrasounds and X-rays.
I have also consulted many doctors (hematology, infectious disease), and everything is basically normal.
Is there still a concern for lymphoma or leukemia?
2.
In my most recent blood test on November 9, all blood cell values were normal.
On November 11, I accidentally noticed a small bruise on my right calf, which I did not hit and it is not painful; it has mostly healed by now.
On November 12, I read an article stating that tenderness in the sternum could be a symptom of leukemia, so I occasionally pressed on it with my fingers.
It was not painful for the first two days, but started to hurt on the third day, similar to mild bruise pain.
Given that my blood values were normal right after the blood draw on November 9, is it still possible that this could be leukemia?
3.
Occasionally, the skin on my knees feels a bit strange, with a tingling sensation, but it is not a very noticeable pain.
Also, if I stand or sit for a long time, I experience some soreness in my left lower back that extends to my left thigh and calf.
Could any of these symptoms indicate a possibility of leukemia?
Thank you for addressing my concerns, I greatly appreciate it.

A Zhe, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/11/16

Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology

A-Zhe / 38 years old / Male
1.
Since January of this year, my morning body temperature has been around 36.7°C.
By noon to 9 PM, it rises to 37-37.2°C, and I feel a bit warm and have dry mouth.
After 10 PM, it drops to around 36.5°C.
I have undergone numerous blood tests (general and rheumatologic), abdominal and chest ultrasounds, and X-rays.
I have also consulted many doctors (hematology and infectious disease specialists), and everything is basically normal.
Is there still a concern for lymphoma or leukemia?
A: This fluctuation in body temperature is natural and does not appear to be indicative of cancer.
Note that many lymphoma patients experience what are known as "B symptoms" (specific symptoms associated with lymphoma), which include fever, significant night sweats (especially occurring at night), and weight loss (more than 10% weight loss within six months).
2.
I just had blood drawn on November 9, and the results were normal.
Is there still a possibility of leukemia?
A: Unlikely!
3.
Occasionally, I feel a strange sensation in the skin of my knees, a tingling feeling, but it is not a significant pain.
Also, after standing or sitting for a long time, I experience some soreness in my left lower back that extends to my left thigh and calf.
Could this indicate a possibility of leukemia?
A: These are various minor discomforts that normal individuals can experience.
Blood tests can check for leukemia, and since the results on November 19 were normal, you can at least be reassured for the next three months.
Wishing you health and comfort.

Taoyuan Hospital, Chen Si-Rong

Reply Date: 2018/11/16

More Info

Understanding health concerns, especially regarding potential blood cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma, can be quite stressful. It's important to approach these worries with a clear understanding of the symptoms, diagnostic processes, and the significance of test results.

1. Temperature Fluctuations: Your reported body temperature changes from morning to evening are generally within a normal range. A typical body temperature can vary throughout the day due to various factors, including physical activity, hydration levels, and even the time of day. The slight elevation in temperature you experience in the afternoon and evening (37-37.2°C) is not uncommon and is not indicative of cancer. In patients with lymphoma, for example, "B symptoms" such as persistent fever, night sweats, and significant weight loss are more concerning. Since your extensive blood tests, imaging studies, and consultations with specialists have returned normal results, the likelihood of having lymphoma or leukemia is low.

2. Recent Bruising and Pain: The appearance of a bruise without a clear cause can be alarming, but it is not uncommon for people to experience unexplained bruising. The fact that your blood tests from November 9 showed normal values is reassuring. Normal blood counts, particularly platelet counts, indicate that your blood is clotting properly, which reduces the likelihood of a bleeding disorder or blood cancer. The discomfort you felt after pressing on your sternum may be due to muscle strain or minor injury rather than a serious condition. If the pain persists or worsens, it would be wise to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

3. Skin Sensations and Pain: The occasional strange sensations in your knee and mild discomfort in your lower back and legs can be attributed to a variety of benign causes, such as muscle fatigue, posture, or even anxiety. These symptoms are not specific to blood cancers. Blood cancers typically present with more systemic symptoms, and your normal blood tests further decrease the likelihood of such a diagnosis.

In summary, while it's natural to worry about health issues, especially when experiencing unusual symptoms, the combination of normal blood tests and the absence of significant "B symptoms" makes the likelihood of blood cancer quite low. It's essential to maintain regular check-ups and communicate any new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider.
Additionally, if you find yourself frequently anxious about your health, consider discussing these feelings with a mental health professional. Anxiety can often amplify physical sensations and lead to increased worry about health conditions. Engaging in stress-reducing activities, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies, can also be beneficial for both mental and physical health.

Lastly, always remember that your healthcare providers are there to help you navigate these concerns. Don't hesitate to reach out to them with any questions or for reassurance regarding your health.

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