What Causes Elevated WBC Levels In Blood Post Recovery From Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?

Posted on Fri, 29 Jan 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 29 Jan 2016 Answered on

Fri, 18 Mar 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been in remission from non hodgkins lymphoma for 2 1/2 years. I have been very ill the past 10 days. The ER did a blood test on Saturday and my count white blood count was 13500, and the local clinic did a test on Tuesday and the count was 15000. The doctors are sending me back to my oncologist, but wont say anything else. What am I looking at as far as possibilities?

Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Exclude treatment failure or infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query to HCM

I understand this could be disturbing . however, white count levels are increasing in number and could indirectly imply failure of treatment.

A careful clinical review is also required to exclude a viral or bacterial infection that could also cause an increase in the while cell count, especially as you are not feeling very well.

I think seeing an oncologist is a good idea.

Thanks and kind regards

Let me know if there are any further queries regarding.

Dr Bain

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee