
Is High Lymphocytosis Count A Symptom Of Leukemia?

Posted on
Tue, 4 Feb 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team


Question : I am a male 37 years of age. I suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and take Prozac and Xanax. I also had hypothyroidism and took cynthroid. I stopped taking it in October because of financial problem. I had a blood test two weeks ago and got results today. The doctor was suprised my hypothroidism was normal without pills. But I told him I lost 40 pounds on purpose so I am no longer over weight. He did say I had a high Lymphocytosis count and said I may have had a virus I did not know about. Also, he said my white blood count was normal. I was just worried about leukemia because that is a possibility he said, so I will have another blood test in a month. I have obsessive compulsive disorder and have been worried about having leukemia, though I have no symptoms (fever, aches, bumps) and no family history. I heard the remission rate for leukemia is 90% but after that 40% survive. Would a survival rate, if I did have it, be higher for a man of 38 years old? Also, should I be worrying about that high Lymphocytosis count? It had been cold here in Florida recently and I may have had a virus I did not know about.
sincerely,
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Unlikely to be leukemia
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
As the total count is normal, a relative lymphocytosis may not be leukemia. it may be due to a virus infection. Mostly these resolve with time. No specific treatment for virus is required.
Another blood test 1 month after may help to reassure you. Don't think about leukemia and all its consequences. I don't think it is leukemia.
Hope I have answered your query. I will be available to answer further followup queries, if any.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar


Dear Dr. Ghosh:
Thanks for your information. Before I close this question, I wanted to ask if it is possible to have a virus and never have any symptoms or complications from it?
My doctor said I may have been carrying a virus and not have even known it. I do remember feeling a little sick back in october or November. But my test was on January 20th. thanks again!
sincerely,
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Yes, sometimes viral infections go undetected
Detailed Answer:
These infections often do not cause any symptoms or only mild symptoms. However, it is difficult to say if the episode in October was the culprit or not.
regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

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