Understanding CBC Results and Anemia Concerns in Cancer Patients
Please ask your questions regarding CBC blood test data? Hello, Doctor! I have had a unique constitution since childhood, unable to consume supplements, which usually leads to random growths. I have a surgical history of six procedures: 1. Facial lipoma 2. Adenotonsillar hypertro...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
From the initial examination values, it indeed appears to be iron deficiency anemia; however, if there are concerns, it is advisable to consult a hematologist or a specialist in immunology and rheumatology. PS: 1. Does short sleep duration and staying up late affect CBC results...[Read More] Understanding CBC Results and Anemia Concerns in Cancer Patients
Understanding Suspected Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Suspected Mediterranean anemia (Thalassemia) Hello Doctor: Since I was young, my father has mentioned that he was told by a physician that he might have Mediterranean anemia. My blood reports have consistently shown abnormal results. During high school, if I just woke up, I would...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. Mediterranean anemia can only be diagnosed through hemoglobin electrophoresis (covered by health insurance) or genetic testing (out-of-pocket). The hemoglobin level, regardless of its value, cannot confirm the diagnosis; it can only raise suspicion. 2. The HBA2 level ca...[Read More] Understanding Suspected Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Is There a Link Between High Platelet Count and Thalassemia?
Is there a relationship between thrombocytosis and thalassemia? Hello Doctor: I would like to inquire if there is a relationship between elevated platelet counts and thalassemia. Below are the health check reports from the past two years for your reference. Thank you. Year 111: ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: From a pathological mechanism perspective, it is true that thalassemia often accompanies an increase in platelet count, which is a reasonable hematological change. But are you sure you have thalassemia? Based on these two data points, I don't think you exhibit signs o...[Read More] Is There a Link Between High Platelet Count and Thalassemia?
Understanding Blood Test Results: Analyzing Anemia and Thalassemia Risks
Blood test report Hello, doctor. I am a 35-year-old male and would like to ask two questions regarding my blood tests from health check-ups. 1. I have concerns related to anemia. Here are my blood test results: - May 2019: RBC 7.22, Hb 16.1, Hct 48.9, MCV 67.7, MCH 22.3, MCHC...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. Your hemoglobin level is quite high (Hb 15-16), which is higher than many normal individuals (normal male Hb 13). You do not have any issues with anemia, so it is meaningless to focus on small details such as RBC count, MCV (mean corpuscular volume), etc. Even if you ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Analyzing Anemia and Thalassemia Risks
Managing Mediterranean Anemia: Treatment, Supplements, and Monitoring
Management and Follow-up of Thalassemia I have thalassemia, and my hemoglobin levels are around 8-9 g/dL, with no specific symptoms on a daily basis. When I visited the doctor, in addition to blood tests, I was prescribed folic acid to take 5 mg daily. 1. I checked the recommen...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. You do not need to take folic acid; it is unnecessary and not beneficial. 2. Currently, there is no need to take iron chelators. For patients with similar conditions, I only prescribe iron chelators covered by insurance if their ferritin levels exceed 2000. 3. In princi...[Read More] Managing Mediterranean Anemia: Treatment, Supplements, and Monitoring
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Key Questions and Next Steps
Questions about Mediterranean anemia? Hello, doctor. I have had anemia issues since childhood and have been informed by various laboratory technicians that I may have thalassemia. Below are the results from my last two tests. I am unsure if these results can help in making a diag...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
This data may indicate thalassemia and iron deficiency anemia, and further testing is needed for differential diagnosis. However, if there is a family history of thalassemia, the likelihood of hereditary thalassemia is higher. If thalassemia is confirmed, oral folic acid can be a...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Key Questions and Next Steps
Understanding Bilirubin Levels in Beta-Thalassemia: Causes and Concerns
Bilirubin in Mediterranean Anemia Hello, Doctor: I have been diagnosed with Beta-thalassemia. In previous follow-ups, my hemoglobin levels were around 9.3 g/dL, red blood cell count was 4.5 M/uL, total bilirubin was approximately 6.0 mg/dL, and direct bilirubin was 0.4 mg/dL. In ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. Yes, both anemia and hemolysis have worsened. However, this congenital thalassemia should not change with aging, so there must be something that has happened recently. Have you had a cold? Taken medications indiscriminately? Used traditional Chinese medicine? Consumed...[Read More] Understanding Bilirubin Levels in Beta-Thalassemia: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Increasing Red Blood Cell Counts: Implications and Management
The number of red blood cells is increasing? Hello Doctor: I am a 40-year-old female. My blood tests show an increasing trend in red blood cell count. In July 2015, my RBC was 6.36, MCV was 62.5, and MCH was 20. In August 2016, my RBC was 6.37, MCV was 61.7, and MCH was 19.2. In ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Although you did not provide complete blood test data, I would guess that you have thalassemia (a hereditary condition!). Please bring all your paper documents to the hematology outpatient clinic for consultation. Thank you. P.S. The iron supplements you are taking are not...[Read More] Understanding Increasing Red Blood Cell Counts: Implications and Management
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Inquiry about anemia issues? Hello, doctor. My health check report shows the following values: white blood cell count 7030, red blood cell count 420, hemoglobin 9.3, hematocrit 32.5, mean corpuscular volume 77.4, mean corpuscular hemoglobin 22.1, mean corpuscular hemoglobin conce...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Common causes of anemia in young women, aside from thalassemia, include iron deficiency anemia, which is also quite prevalent. I believe your report may more likely suggest iron deficiency as the cause. You can visit a hematology clinic for a blood test to confirm. If it i...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Is a Normal Hemoglobin Level Possible?
Mediterranean anemia (also known as thalassemia) Hello, doctor. I have thalassemia, and due to my job, I undergo annual health check-ups. Here are my hemoglobin reports from the past few years: 2016: 11.9, 2017: 11.8, 2018: 11.7, 2019: 10.3, 2020: 12.2. This year, my test results...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It is a normal phenomenon. For patients with thalassemia, a hemoglobin level above 9 is generally acceptable.[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Is a Normal Hemoglobin Level Possible?
Why Is Hemoglobin Not Rising Despite Iron Supplementation?
Iron supplements have been taken, but hemoglobin levels have not increased; only iron levels have risen? Hello Doctor: I was diagnosed with anemia around November of last year, with a hemoglobin level of approximately 8.9 and iron levels at 14. My family physician diagnosed me wi...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: For females, the definition of iron deficiency anemia is a serum ferritin level of less than 10 ng/mL. You may not have iron deficiency anemia, so supplementing iron may not effectively improve your anemia (although it may increase the total iron levels). There are many ca...[Read More] Why Is Hemoglobin Not Rising Despite Iron Supplementation?
Understanding Coagulation Issues: Bruising, Bleeding, and Anemia Concerns
Coagulation function Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing unexplained bruising on my legs and numerous petechiae under the skin. In late September, I underwent a complete blood count, which showed anemia but normal results for everything else (I have thalassemia). In ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
I recommend that you go to the hematology department for a follow-up examination; however, leukemia does not have a hereditary tendency, so there is no need to worry too much.[Read More] Understanding Coagulation Issues: Bruising, Bleeding, and Anemia Concerns
Understanding Groin Lumps: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Inguinal mass Hello Doctor: Recently, I noticed a lump in my groin area that is slightly painful when pressed and can move. Additionally, I have small, bump-like lesions on my abdominal skin. I have researched a lot and found that these could be related to lymphatic tumors or a w...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Xiaohau, Thank you for your letter. I recommend seeking a surgical biopsy to determine whether the condition is benign or malignant. Wishing you all the best and a smooth process. Sincerely, Dr. Lai Yicheng Department of Radiation Oncology[Read More] Understanding Groin Lumps: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Low Hemoglobin Levels: Tips for Managing Thalassemia
The hemoglobin level is only 6.3? I have had Mediterranean anemia since childhood. Besides being unable to climb mountains and occasionally experiencing dizziness, I haven't had major issues in my daily life. However, during my pre-marital check-up, it was found that my hemo...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, online friend: It is important to supplement with iron and pay attention to safety (avoid falls and intense exercise, etc.); however, a level of 6.3 is too low, so it is recommended to see a hematologist for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Low Hemoglobin Levels: Tips for Managing Thalassemia
Understanding High Platelet Count: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Thrombocytosis Hello Doctor, I recently received the results of my university health check, which indicated that I have thrombocytosis (586) and leukocytosis (13). I had another test done later, and although the numbers decreased, they are still high: platelets (546) and white bl...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Please try not to worry too much; having high platelet counts is not cancer. Normally, a healthy individual's platelet count ranges from about 100,000 to 300,000. If the platelet count remains persistently elevated, such as exceeding 450,000, it could indicate two con...[Read More] Understanding High Platelet Count: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count in Cancer Patients
Leukopenia Hello, I would like to ask: My husband had a health check-up, and his white blood cell count was 3.57 x 10^3/µL (normal range 4.0-11.0). His MCV (mean corpuscular volume) was 68.5 (normal range 79-99), and his MCH (mean corpuscular hemoglobin) was 21.1 (normal range 26...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms./Mr. AMBER, Currently, your white blood cell count is low. Please consult a hematology-oncology specialist. Sincerely, Director Lai, Department of Radiation Oncology, Changhua Hospital[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count in Cancer Patients
Understanding Anemia in Oncology: A Patient's Concerns and Insights
Anemia issues Dear Doctor, I am 177 cm tall and weigh 57 kg. I have experienced occasional dizziness, so I went to the hospital for blood tests. On August 4th, my complete blood count showed that only the following three items were low: red blood cell count 4.62, hemoglobin 13....
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
David: You have mild anemia, and thalassemia remains a consideration for diagnosis. Mild thalassemia can sometimes be difficult to detect. It is recommended to continue monitoring, and if there are no changes, you should be reassured. Sincerely, Fan Sheng.[Read More] Understanding Anemia in Oncology: A Patient's Concerns and Insights
Why Isn't My Hemoglobin Rising Despite Taking Iron Supplements?
Why is hemoglobin (Hb) still not increasing after taking iron supplements? Hello, my hemoglobin (Hb) has been consistently around 9.5. After going to the hospital for a check-up, I found out that I have iron deficiency, but even after taking iron supplements for a while, my Hb is...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
1. It is possible that the dosage of iron supplements is insufficient or that there is ongoing blood loss. Gastrointestinal bleeding, urinary tract bleeding, and excessive menstrual bleeding in females all require examination and treatment. 2. The diagnosis can be further confi...[Read More] Why Isn't My Hemoglobin Rising Despite Taking Iron Supplements?
How to Increase Low White Blood Cell Count: Tips and Insights
Leukopenia Hello, doctor. Two months ago, I went to the hospital for a health check-up, and the results showed that my white blood cell count was 4,750, which was marked as low. How can I adjust my lifestyle to increase my white blood cell count? Additionally, I have hereditary t...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Dear Leo: The normal range for white blood cell count is between 4,000 and 10,000, so your white blood cell count is normal, and there is no need to worry. Hereditary spherocytosis does not affect white blood cells. Everything is fine![Read More] How to Increase Low White Blood Cell Count: Tips and Insights