Life After Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Navigating Recovery and Daily Activities
Life During Recovery from Myeloid Leukemia Hello Dr. Hu, I was diagnosed with M3 type acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) in January. After six months of treatment (induction + consolidation), my genetic testing is now negative, and my white blood cell count (5000) and platelet co...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
After the treatment, you can resume your normal lifestyle and diet.[Read More] Life After Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Navigating Recovery and Daily Activities
Understanding the Differences Between Common Bruises and Leukemia Symptoms
About bruises? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if there is a significant difference between a regular bruise and a bruise caused by leukemia. I just noticed a bruise about 1-2 centimeters on both my hand and foot, and there are no other bruises. I'm not sure if it's ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. The appearance of both is the same, with no differences. 2. There are no specific concerns to pay attention to; if discomfort occurs, seek medical attention. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Common Bruises and Leukemia Symptoms
Understanding M3 Leukemia Treatment: Is Consolidation Therapy Necessary?
Treatment of M3 type leukemia? Hello Dr. Hu, I am currently a patient with M3 type leukemia. My treatment phase involves daily oral all-trans retinoic acid and two phases of arsenic trioxide injections (7 days each phase for a total of 14 days). After about a month of monitoring...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Patients with M3-type leukemia, in addition to the initial induction therapy and subsequent consolidation therapy, often undergo maintenance therapy for 1-2 years. Although M3-type leukemia has a relatively favorable prognosis among acute leukemias, approximately 5% of patients m...[Read More] Understanding M3 Leukemia Treatment: Is Consolidation Therapy Necessary?
Sexual Activity During APL Treatment: Safety and Considerations
Sexual activity during the treatment process for Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) should be approached with caution. It is important for patients to discuss their Hello Dr. Hu, In January, I was diagnosed with APL (Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia, M3 type). After more than a mont...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
1. Yes, but it is important to rest after sexual activity and maintain regular exercise and a balanced diet. 2. Ejaculation does not affect white blood cell production; in fact, moderate sexual activity can improve and adjust overall physical and mental health.[Read More] Sexual Activity During APL Treatment: Safety and Considerations
High Immunoglobulin Levels: Potential Indicators of Blood Disorders
Elevated immunoglobulin levels? The health check results show elevated immunoglobulin levels, with total protein at 6.8 g/dL, albumin at 4.6 g/dL, and globulin at 2.2 g/dL (highlighted in red). A subsequent blood test revealed IgG at 968 mg/dL, IgA at 206 mg/dL, and IgM at 261 mg...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Free kappa 11.83, Free lambda 1.54, Kappa/lambda ratio 7.68. Only this ratio is abnormal; the standard K/L ratio is 1/1. All other values you provided are normal (however, we cannot draw conclusions as the lab report you provided is incomplete). I cannot give recommendatio...[Read More] High Immunoglobulin Levels: Potential Indicators of Blood Disorders
Understanding Eosinophil Levels: Implications for CML and Lymphoma
Eosinophil percentage In recent years, blood tests have shown that the white blood cell count typically ranges from 4,500 to 7,000. The percentage of basophils is between 0.3% and 0.9% (0-1%). I would like to know if having results of 0.8% or 0.9% on several occasions is consider...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
If the white blood cell count is normal, it is recommended to simply observe. Note: The classification of white blood cells is based on machine interpretation, and the ratios can be influenced by physiological or other factors on the day of blood draw (such as blood quality, mach...[Read More] Understanding Eosinophil Levels: Implications for CML and Lymphoma
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Counts: Signs of Leukemia or Lymphoma?
Leukopenia Hello, doctor. In the past year, my weight has decreased from 72 kg to 66 kg. Recently, in June, I had a check-up at the clinic where my white blood cell count was 4,200, with neutrophils at 46% (highlighted in red), lymphocytes at 42.6% (highlighted in red), monocytes...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Based on the numbers in your report, it does not appear to be leukemia or lymphoma, and the cancer diagnosis is also not accurate! Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Counts: Signs of Leukemia or Lymphoma?
High Platelet Count and Lymph Nodes: Concerns About Blood Disorders
Persistent thrombocytosis and lymphadenopathy raise concerns for hematological disorders? Since I started working and participating in company health checks, I have noticed that my platelet count has often been highlighted in red (indicating elevated levels). The health check rep...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: You only need to monitor your platelet count; the other tests are unnecessary and are a result of excessive anxiety. Clinically, they do not indicate any specific illness. There is no need to obsessively prove whether you are sick or have cancer, as it is meaningless. Than...[Read More] High Platelet Count and Lymph Nodes: Concerns About Blood Disorders
Understanding Elevated Platelet Counts: What You Need to Know
Abnormally high platelet levels (increasing with each of the two tests)? Hello Doctor, three years ago I had a blood test (results below), and the only abnormal finding was a platelet count of 469. At that time, the doctor mentioned that it was fine to just monitor it. However, I...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It may just be caused by inflammation (such as a cold). It is recommended to follow up with a blood test in three months. If the levels remain elevated, consider consulting a hematologist.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Platelet Counts: What You Need to Know
Understanding Abnormal White Blood Cell Counts: What You Need to Know
White blood cell count is approaching abnormal levels? Recent blood test results show a white blood cell count of 6,900 (normal range: 3,600-11,200), hemoglobin (HB) of 15.9 (normal range: 13.7-17), erythrocyte distribution width (EDW) of 13.0 (normal range: 11.7-15), platelet co...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. A white blood cell count within the normal range is considered normal. However, I cannot provide an answer without knowing your specific situation. 2. No, it cannot be determined. 3. As mentioned before, I cannot answer this without knowing your circumstances. Thank you...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal White Blood Cell Counts: What You Need to Know
Understanding White Blood Cell Counts and Lymph Node Concerns in Oncology
White blood cell testing issues Recent blood test results show a white blood cell count of 6,900 (normal range: 3,600-11,200), hemoglobin (HB) of 15.9 (normal range: 13.7-17), erythrocyte distribution width (EDW) of 13.0 (normal range: 11.7-15), platelet count of 260 (normal rang...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
The white blood cell count is within the normal range according to the instrument's interpretation, indicating that it is normal and does not require continuous monitoring. The lymph nodes have shown no changes over the past year, suggesting a higher likelihood of being beni...[Read More] Understanding White Blood Cell Counts and Lymph Node Concerns in Oncology
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 Blood Test Results: High Lymphocyte Levels and Cancer Concerns
Blood test? The blood test report from the clinic two days ago shows the following results for a 40-year-old male: - 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 - He...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: This does not necessarily indicate lymphoma; I do not have any abnormal findings in this report. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: High Lymphocyte Levels and Cancer Concerns
Unexplained Bruises and Bone Pain: Should You Worry About Leukemia?
Unexplained bruising and petechiae? Doctor, I have been experiencing frequent bone pain and unexplained bruising and petechiae. I went to the hospital two days ago for a blood test, and all the results were normal except for a low platelet distribution width. However, the doctor ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Young women, due to thinner skin and more fragile microvessels, often experience bruising in areas that are prone to impact or injury. If a complete blood count and blood smear examination are normal, it is recommended to simply monitor the condition.[Read More] Unexplained Bruises and Bone Pain: Should You Worry About Leukemia?
Understanding NF1-PN: Management and Risks of Neurofibromatosis Tumors
NF1-PN plexiform neurofibromas Hello Dr. Hu: My son is 12 years old now. When he was 8, we discovered that he had a tumor in his abdomen and liver. Because it is a flat lesion, we have visited 7 or 8 major hospitals, but no doctor has dared to perform surgery on him. I would like...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Pediatric oncology is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of cancers in children. This branch of medicine addresses various types of pediatric tumors, including leukemia, brain tumors, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, and retinoblastoma, among o...[Read More] Understanding NF1-PN: Management and Risks of Neurofibromatosis Tumors
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 Leukemia Symptoms and Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know
Symptoms and Tests for Leukemia Hello Doctor, I apologize for the interruption. For the past 10 days, I have been experiencing a low-grade fever accompanied by severe, nearly all-day dizziness, extreme fatigue, and night sweats. I have also started to notice unexplained small bru...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. Both the first and second test results are normal. 2. White blood cell counts fluctuate; each time you draw blood, the results can vary. The normal range is 4,000 to 9,000, but even if the count is slightly outside this range, it does not necessarily indicate disease. 3...[Read More] Understanding Leukemia Symptoms and Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding the Differences in MPN Classification: Taiwan vs. International Perspectives
Regarding the differences in MPN (Myeloproliferative Neoplasms) between domestic and international contexts? Hello, doctor. I am a typical MPN patient with the JAK2 V617F mutation. Why is MPN classified as cancer abroad, while it is categorized as a non-cancer condition in my cou...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: I agree that MPN (Myeloproliferative Neoplasms) is not cancer, as many people live their entire lives with it, whereas cancer can often lead to death more quickly. The disease progression of the two is fundamentally different. Although there is a small percentage of MPN ca...[Read More] Understanding the Differences in MPN Classification: Taiwan vs. International Perspectives
Understanding Blood Test Results: Key Concerns for CML Patients
Blood test report Hello Dr. Chen, 1. I have chronic myeloid leukemia and have been taking Glivec for four years. Today, during a routine blood test at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, my WBC count spiked to 10.1, whereas it has previously been controlled around 8. Is there ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. No problem. 2. You should ask your hematologist about this. 3. It is normal. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Key Concerns for CML Patients
Understanding Fluctuations in White Blood Cell Count: Is It Normal?
Decreased white blood cell count? Hello Doctor, I am Mr. Huang, who just posted a question regarding low white blood cell count. The title was about leukopenia. I recently reviewed my previous test reports: in September 2020, my white blood cell count was 4600, and during my mili...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Mr. Huang / 21 years old / Male 1. Variations within the normal range are acceptable. 2. Is such a significant change normal? A: What you refer to as significant is still within the normal range. 3. Is it possible that this could be leukemia? A: Being within the normal rang...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuations in White Blood Cell Count: Is It Normal?