Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Lymphocyte Levels and Cancer Risks
Abnormal blood test results? Two days ago, the clinic conducted a blood test report for a 40-year-old male. The results are as follows: WBC 5900 /µL, Neutrophil 44.7%, Lymphocyte 46.6% (elevated, normal range 18-45), Monocyte 6.5%, Eosinophil 1.3%, Basophil 0.9%, RBC 5.42 M/µL, H...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Light / 41 years old / Male. Could this be a precursor to blood cancer or lymphoma? A: 1. No 2. It could be caused by inflammation 3. Based on the blood test results, you currently do not have blood cancer, and lymphoma cannot be diagnosed solely through a blood test. Wishing you...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Lymphocyte Levels and Cancer Risks
Understanding Symptoms: Infection or Leukemia Concerns?
Infection? Leukemia? Hello Doctor: I have a history of hypertension and usually take medication to control it. My routine blood tests show a white blood cell count of about 12,000 to 13,000. On January 14, I received the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and three days later, i...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: It's difficult to determine whether it's an infection or a vaccine side effect, but based on your second blood test report, it does not appear to be leukemia, as there is no mention of blasts, which allows us to rule out the possibility of blood cancer. Thank you...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Infection or Leukemia Concerns?
Understanding the Differences in MPN Classification: Taiwan vs. Global Perspectives
What are the differences in MPN (Myeloproliferative Neoplasms) between Taiwan and other countries? Hello, Doctor. Thank you for your response yesterday, but it did not address my concerns. I have reviewed many original literature and studies from various countries, such as the UK...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: I am a specialist in hematology, and I do not agree that myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are classified as cancer. I am not sure why other countries do this, and I do not wish to explain their actions. In any case, Taiwan is the only country with a national health insu...[Read More] Understanding the Differences in MPN Classification: Taiwan vs. Global Perspectives
Understanding Rising CEA Levels After Breast Cancer Treatment: Is It Metastasis?
After breast cancer surgery, the CEA level increased from 3.8 at the end of chemotherapy to 5.4, with the most recent level being 6.2. Can this be confirmed as metastasis? The mother is 70 years old and was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer (which has been surgically removed) ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The blood cancer markers cannot definitively determine whether cancer has metastasized, especially since the CEA level is only 6, which makes it quite tenuous to draw any conclusions. Thank you for your response.[Read More] Understanding Rising CEA Levels After Breast Cancer Treatment: Is It Metastasis?
Understanding Lymphocyte Levels: Concerns About Blood Disorders and Cancer
Blood disorders Hello, doctor... Two weeks ago, I went to the emergency room due to dizziness, general weakness, nausea, and bloating. I have a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). They drew several vials of blood, and the results showed mild jaundice, low potassium...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: A higher proportion of lymphocytes does not necessarily indicate blood cancer; there are many possible reasons for this in diagnosis. It is recommended that you consult a hematologist for interpretation of the report. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Lymphocyte Levels: Concerns About Blood Disorders and Cancer
Understanding Bruising and Blood Disorders: Is It Blood Cancer?
Blood disorders Hello, doctor. Recently, I noticed that I have bruises around my knees. The last time, there were about 6-7 small bruises on my knee, not large ones. They eventually faded away. Last week, I saw 4 bruises, and they went away as well. Today, I noticed one bruise on...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello: Regarding your symptoms, please visit a hematology-oncology specialist and an immunology-rheumatology specialist for evaluation. The doctor will perform a physical examination and determine whether a biopsy or blood tests are necessary. Treatment, prescriptions, or diagnos...[Read More] Understanding Bruising and Blood Disorders: Is It Blood Cancer?
Understanding 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. ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
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...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Concerns: Tumor and Blood Cancer Insights
Understanding Bone Pain and Bruising: Is Blood Cancer a Concern?
Sternum issues Doctor, I have a question. I suddenly noticed a bruise on the front of my right calf, and I don't recall hitting it. It doesn't hurt much (today it has faded significantly and is almost healed). Additionally, a few days ago, I had some redness and swellin...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ah-Jeh / 38 years old / Male 1. Is there still a possibility of blood cancer? A: No, blood cancer refers to leukemia, which is characterized by the abnormal proliferation of white blood cells rather than a decrease. 2. Is it abnormal that the white blood cell count is sligh...[Read More] Understanding Bone Pain and Bruising: Is Blood Cancer a Concern?
Can Normal Blood Tests Rule Out Blood Cancer? Understanding Sternum Pain
Midsternal tenderness Hello, doctor. Two weeks ago, I went to the hospital for a blood test because I had many small red spots on my arm, suspecting a coagulation issue. The report showed everything was normal, with normal blood cell counts and types of white blood cells. However...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Generally, a bone marrow biopsy is performed to diagnose blood cancer only after abnormal results are found in blood tests. You asked if it is possible to have blood cancer despite normal blood test results. In my 15 years as a physician, with 7 years specializing in hemat...[Read More] Can Normal Blood Tests Rule Out Blood Cancer? Understanding Sternum Pain
Understanding Afternoon Fever: Possible Causes and Concerns in Oncology
Afternoon low-grade fever with normal temperature at night? Hello, doctor. For the past two to three weeks, my body temperature has varied from 36.5 to 36.8 degrees Celsius before noon, rising to 37 to 37.3 degrees Celsius starting at noon, and then dropping to around 36.5 degree...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The white blood cell count you mentioned is within the normal range (4,000-9,000), which is not unusual! Generally speaking, fever caused by blood cancers typically exceeds 38 degrees Celsius, while your temperature is still within the normal range. Thank you for your inqu...[Read More] Understanding Afternoon Fever: Possible Causes and Concerns in Oncology
Is Blood Cancer Hereditary? Understanding Genetic Risks and Implications
Does leukemia run in families? Hello, if my uncle has blood cancer, is there a chance that it can be inherited by us or our mother? If so, what is the likelihood? Thank you.
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
User: Blood cancer is mainly related to genetics and the environment (for example, some people have genes that will definitely lead to the disease, etc.), and it is not a hereditary disease...[Read More] Is Blood Cancer Hereditary? Understanding Genetic Risks and Implications
Understanding Stage II Breast Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Stage II breast cancer Hello Dr. Lai: I was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer at the end of 2014 and underwent a total mastectomy. At the same time, there was another tumor about 1 cm on the opposite side, which the doctor assessed as benign through a core needle biopsy, so i...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Miss: 1. Mammography and breast ultrasound cannot provide a definitive diagnosis; only a pathological biopsy can confirm it with 100% accuracy. 2. Since you are now 55 years old and postmenopausal, it is still recommended that you undergo a mammogram. (Premenopausal women ...[Read More] Understanding Stage II Breast Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Counts and Their Infection Risks
Leukopenia Hello, doctor. Does low white blood cell count cause fever, or does a low count make one susceptible to infection, which then leads to fever?
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: This is a "which came first, the chicken or the egg" question, and both ways of asking are fundamentally correct. However, it is still worth discussing. Generally speaking, the normal white blood cell count in healthy individuals is around 4,000 to 9,000 per micr...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Counts and Their Infection Risks
Understanding Blood Counts in Myeloid Leukemia: Key Insights for Patients
The blood cell counts of patients with leukemia typically show elevated white blood cell (WBC) counts, decreased red blood cell (RBC) counts, and reduced platelet counts (thrombocytopenia)? Dear Dr. Chen, I have been diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (the doctor mentioned ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Although you did not explicitly state your diagnosis, based on your description, I suspect you may have been diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Our hematologists consider MDS to be a precursor to blood cancer, and if left untreated, there is a significant chanc...[Read More] Understanding Blood Counts in Myeloid Leukemia: Key Insights for Patients
Understanding MDS: Treatment Criteria and When to Start Targeted Therapy
MDS disease issues In the case of MDS RAEB-1, is it necessary to have a specific blood cell count decrease in order to use targeted therapy? I have normal or elevated peripheral blood counts, but I was diagnosed with this condition due to issues found in a bone marrow biopsy. Cur...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
You have been diagnosed with MDS RAEB-1, correct? It is important to note that for this diagnosis, the presence of abnormal blast cells in the bone marrow examination should account for 5-9% of the total blood cells. Although this does not qualify as acute leukemia (commonly refe...[Read More] Understanding MDS: Treatment Criteria and When to Start Targeted Therapy
Understanding Blood Cancer: Transmission Risks and Genetic Factors
The transmission of leukemia? Hello, my uncle is currently being tested for suspected blood cancer. I would like to know if I can talk to him or share meals without the risk of transmission. I have heard that a virus can cause blood cancer; is it possible to contract this virus t...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: First of all, there are not many types of cancers that are primarily caused by viral infections. Common examples include nasopharyngeal carcinoma associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cervical cancer related to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and Kaposi'...[Read More] Understanding Blood Cancer: Transmission Risks and Genetic Factors
Chronic Back Pain: Should You Get Blood Tests for Cancer?
I have been experiencing persistent lower back pain? Hello, doctor! I would like to ask you a question. I have been experiencing lower back pain for nearly a year. I have had X-rays done by an orthopedic specialist, which showed no issues, and I also underwent an MRI with a neuro...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello Xiaowen, you have undergone blood tests and there is no indication of ankylosing spondylitis! There is no need to test for blood cancer, as the tests for ankylosing spondylitis typically include a complete blood count. Since your blood count is normal, it rules out blood ca...[Read More] Chronic Back Pain: Should You Get Blood Tests for Cancer?
Understanding Fluctuations in Cancer Markers: A Case Study on Liver Cancer
Could you please clarify what specific information you are seeking regarding blood tests? The blood cancer marker for liver cancer was over 500 during the May check-up (indicating metastasis from colon cancer to the liver), then it rose to 4800 during the June check-up (which was...
Dr. Chen Junyi Reply:
It is likely due to changes in the tumor condition.[Read More] Understanding Fluctuations in Cancer Markers: A Case Study on Liver Cancer
Understanding Osteoclastoma: Is It a Malignant Tumor?
What is an osteoclastoma? Hello Dr. Chen: I apologize for bothering you. I have a female friend who is only 28 years old. Last year, she had a tumor in the area of her left ulna and underwent resection surgery at Kaohsiung Medical University and I-Shou University Hospital. Howeve...
Dr. Chen Junyi Reply:
Giant cell tumor of bone (GCT) is a lytic tumor primarily composed of mononuclear cells and multinucleated giant cells, classified as a primary bone tumor that lies between malignant and benign. It is also known as osteoclastoma. It is not to be confused with multiple myeloma or ...[Read More] Understanding Osteoclastoma: Is It a Malignant Tumor?
Long-Term Use of Fosamax for Bone Pain in Blood Cancer Patients
A patient with leukemia is prescribed Fosamax (alendronate) by the doctor for bone pain? 1. If a patient with leukemia is prescribed Fosamax (alendronate) by their doctor for bone pain, can this medication be taken long-term?
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
LKK: Blood cancer refers to leukemia, and treatment should be focused on leukemia. For bone pain, Fosamax (alendronate) may not be necessary, and there could be issues with insurance coverage as well.[Read More] Long-Term Use of Fosamax for Bone Pain in Blood Cancer Patients