White blood cells, Oncology FAQ

Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Treatment Challenges and Concerns

Iron deficiency anemia cannot restore hemoglobin levels? Hello Dr. Chen, I have been experiencing issues since over five years ago, with my blood test reports showing normal hemoglobin levels and white blood cell counts around 13,000. Two years ago, I underwent partial gastrecto...

Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: If you have undergone gastric resection, it may partially affect the absorption of oral iron supplements, so it is common to switch to injectable iron. How long it takes to improve anemia depends on the dosage of iron you receive each time and the frequency of injections, ...

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...

Understanding FDG-PET/CT Results and Elevated Lymphocytes After Chemotherapy

Questions regarding the FDG-PET/CT report and the issue of elevated lymphocyte levels after chemotherapy? Hello Doctor: Since I could not get answers from my treating physician, I kindly ask for your insights. 1. FINDINGS: Mild FDG hypermetabolism in the left chest wall (SUV: 2...

Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
1. The left chest wall shows an SUV of 2.5/2.4, which is associated with postoperative tissue response on the same side as the breast cancer. The right hilum shows an SUV of 2.5/3.2, which is due to reactive lymphadenopathy. 2. The levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, he...

Understanding Abnormal Blood Cell Counts: Insights into MDS and Aplastic Anemia

Abnormal blood cells Hello, doctor. My wife is 40 years old. In 2006, a blood test revealed that her white blood cell count was low at 3100, while other blood cell counts were normal. This abnormality in white blood cells persisted until 2011, with other blood cell counts remaini...

Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, netizen: 1. While there is a temporal relationship between leukopenia and low hemoglobin levels, both should be considered together; 2. The incidence of two types of cytopenia, specifically megaloblastic anemia, is significantly higher than that of myelodysplastic syndrome...

Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Counts: Leukemia Risks and Dietary Tips

Elevated white blood cell count? During a blood test in middle school, it was found that my white blood cell count was elevated. However, during a health check-up last December, my white blood cell count reached 18,000. Due to the high white blood cell count, I had another blood ...

Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Ms. Kelly: 1. Based on your description, a white blood cell count of 10,800 does not resemble the symptoms of leukemia; it is more indicative of an infection. I recommend consulting an infectious disease specialist for further evaluation. 2. The normal range for white b...

Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell and Platelet Counts: Risks and Monitoring

Blood cell issues? I have had elevated white blood cell and platelet counts for a long time, with white blood cells currently around 13,000 to 17,000 and platelets between 45,000 and 60,000, while all other parameters are normal (without any illness). I have undergone two bone ma...

Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Based on your information, your white blood cell count is slightly higher than normal, while your platelet count is somewhat lower (45-60, what is the unit?). Is that correct? Generally speaking, clinical physicians would typically suspect you might have MDS (Myelodysplast...

Understanding Inner Thigh Lumps: Causes and Treatment Options

Hard lump on the inner thigh? I have a hard lump near the junction of my inner thigh and scrotum that I've been able to feel for some time. It only hurts slightly when touched, but two days ago it became unusually swollen and painful. I saw a doctor who couldn't feel an...

Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, If a lump is located in the groin area, it is one of the primary sites for lymph node aggregation and an important part of the body's immune system. When viruses, bacteria, or abnormal body cells are intercepted in the lymph nodes, it triggers an immune response, ca...

Understanding Steroid Use in Oncology: Risks and Research Insights

Ask about steroids again? Thank you for the doctor's response. I would like to ask again: after my follow-up visit, I have stopped taking steroids, but this doctor does not believe that taking steroids for two weeks after my CT scan for cough treatment will have any impact. ...

Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. After the follow-up visit, I have stopped taking steroid medication. A: That's great! If the condition requires it in the future, you can resume the medication. 2. However, this doctor does not believe that taking steroids for two weeks after a CT scan for cough treatmen...

Treatment Recommendations for Relapsed AML (M2) in Older Patients

The treatment recommendations for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML, M2) typically include: 1. **Induction Therapy**: The standard initial treatment often involves a combination of chemotherapy agents, such as cytarabine and an anthracycline (e.g., daunorubicin or idar Hello, Dr. Fan....

Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Hello, Xiao Zhen: 1. In my opinion, the rock candy white fungus and lotus seed soup has no therapeutic effect on leukemia, but it also does not have any negative impact. 2. Currently, various hospitals have established smoking cessation clinics, and I recommend consulting with...

Understanding Severe Anemia: When to Consult a Hematologist

Severe anemia Hello Doctor: I am a lacto-vegetarian and have slight gastric and esophageal ulcers. My main issue during blood tests is anemia, with a hemoglobin level of 7.2, hematocrit of 26.7, mean corpuscular volume of 65.9, mean corpuscular hemoglobin of 17.8, and mean corpus...

Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Hello: It seems like iron deficiency anemia. Please visit the hematology clinic for an examination. After confirming the diagnosis, you can start treatment with iron supplements. Thank you!

Understanding Chemotherapy Decisions for Elderly Cancer Patients

Some questions regarding chemotherapy? Dear Dr. Fan, My mother is 78 years old and discovered a lump in her breast in February. She underwent surgery at Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, where a biopsy confirmed it was cancer. A few weeks after the surgery, we received the pathology repor...

Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Dear Mr. Yuan, Hello. First of all, considering your mother's age, it is highly likely that her breast cancer specimen's estrogen receptor (ER) is positive. If this is the case, I recommend administering the oral estrogen receptor antagonist Tamoxifen for two years, fo...

Understanding Liver Transplant for Liver Cancer: Process, Survival, and Hepatitis B Concerns

Liver transplantation I have a friend who has liver cancer and may need a liver transplant (I've heard that if the liver blood vessels are obstructed, they might only live for three months). I would like to know what the process is like if they are fortunate enough to wait f...

Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Mr. Li: Liver transplantation involves the complete removal of a diseased liver affected by liver cancer and replacing it with a donated liver from another person. The surgical procedure carries certain risks, and post-surgery, long-term use of immunosuppressants is necessary to ...

Understanding Persistent Lumps Under the Jaw: When to Seek Help

Regarding the small lump under the skin..? Hello Dr. Fan, I have some questions I would like to ask, thank you! When I was in elementary school (around 10 years old), my relatives accidentally discovered some small, round, painless lumps near my lower jaw (on the left side of m...

Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
Xiao Tong: Your lump appears to be a lymph node. It can become inflamed significantly in response to a bacterial infection. This is due to the battle between white blood cells and pathogens within the lymph node. It could also be an excessive immune response. If you wish to seek ...

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!

Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes, Effects, and Workplace Safety

Health examination issues I have a few questions regarding my low white blood cell count due to my work in wastewater treatment: 1. What is the standard range for white blood cells, and what are the effects of having a low count on the body? 2. How can I treat or manage this cond...

Dr. Yang Youhua Reply:
Hello Mr. Zhang: A white blood cell count between 5,000 and 10,000 is considered normal, while a count below 4,000 is considered low. There are many reasons for low white blood cell counts, such as viral infections, splenomegaly, medications, heavy metals, radiation, and various ...

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