What Does This Hemoglobin Level In A Cancer Patient Indicate?

Posted on Thu, 3 Mar 2016

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

Thu, 3 Mar 2016 Answered on

Thu, 12 May 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a 71 year old male with CLL my HGB is 12.7 is this something to be concerned about?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Your hemoglobin is good!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this CLL. Are you on treatment already? I wish you you all the best as you go through this. An HGB of 12.7 is good and I wouldn’t be concerned at this time. What was the last reading as the trend at times could be more informative than the one point report. Please, kindly report them to me and whether you are on treatment or not.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be. Above all, thanks for using our services.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (22 minutes later)

a month ago it was 13.5 I think part of the problem is I hasen't been eating as well as I should the lowest it haS PREVIOUS BEEN IS 13.0 UP TO 14.7 A FEW MONTHS BUT BUT HAS ALWAYS BEEN OVER 13
NOT IN TREATMENT 8/17/15 13,5 11/7/15 13.7 11/30/15 13.5 12/30/15 13.5
3/2/15 12.7

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It’s dropping, get this addressed!

Detailed Answer:
HI,

Though 12.7 is not a bad number, it is dropping. I will say see your oncologist/hematologist about this. This way, we will not only act when it is very low but prevent from ever getting there.

I wish you well and keep me updated.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar