What Does Low Blood Count When Suffering From Cancer Indicate?

Posted on Mon, 10 Mar 2014

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

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 Answered on

Tue, 1 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi my friend has cancer right through his body and his blood count is down. What does this mean.

Answered by Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Different prognostic factors are needed Detailed Answer: Hi Just a blood count would not be definite means to say about prognosis of cancer. We need detailed information like what type of cancer, where is it, its staging, treatment and his current general condition. These are minimum factors that help us to determine the prognosis. Can you please come up with all these while I wait for you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli

Follow up: Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (59 minutes later)

He has no voice box was removed when he was told he had throat cancer. He is diabectic type 2 I think. He has been in and out of hospital these last few months with pnemomia and has been told that will prob kill him not the cancer. EARLY BLOOD TEST ABOUT 3 weeks ago and this time showed that his cancer had doubled in size. Now his blood test showed that his blood count had dropped. We know that he will soon leave us and he says so too. the cancer has spread to all of his organs and has had to go on stronger pain killers.

Answered by Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Carcinoma Larynx Detailed Answer: Hi Thank you. Though you had not detailed me the stage of the cancer and the treatment undertaken except for Laryngectomy, I could understand that the prognosis of your friend is not good. I am sorry to say that. Low blood counts indicate the treatment is happening and it would not necessarily determine the severity of disease. I think you should support your friend and give him some peace of mind.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli