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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Enlarged RBC And Macrocytosis Sign Of Leukemia?

my 81 yo mother's primary care physician is sending her to a hematologist oncologist next month because she has enlarged red blood cells, macrocytosis, liver is slightly elevated, but the B12 and folate levels are normal (she does take supplements). Other words have been thrown out there like MDS, Bone Marrow Dsplasia, leukopenia is down and polycythemia is up, DNA synthesis deficiency...I'm thinking Leukemia. So at 81 and other illnesses to boot, what happens if she decides not to treat it. Is it a painful aweful death or is it treatable...she pretty worn out...just had two angioplasties in legs and had stent put in after heart attach about 3 years ago.
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Sat, 20 Dec 2014 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 9 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on
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Hematologist,  's  Response
Hi, dear
I have gone through your question. I can understand your concern.
She has macrocytosis. It does not suggest any leukemia. Vit b12 deficiency, alcohol and many other conditions nay lead to macrocytic rbcs. So you should not worry about leukemia. Just go for complete blood count and peripheral smear examination. It will give idea about cause.
Hope I have answered your question, if you have doubt then I will be happy to answer. Thanks for using health care magic. Wish you a very good health.
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Hematologist,  Dr. Hardik Sanghvi's  Response
Hi, dear
I have gone through your question. I can understand your concern.
She has macrocytic rbcs with normal b12 and folic acid level. She should go for complete blood count and peripherals smear examination. If needed go for bone marrow examination. She may have some disease affecting her bone marrow. Search for the cause and take treatment accordingly.
Hope I have answered your question, if you have doubt then I will be happy to answer. Thanks for using health care magic. Wish you a very good health.
I find this answer helpful
Hematologist,  Dr. Hardik Sanghvi's  Response
Hi, dear
I have gone through your question. I can understand your concern.
She has macrocytosis. It does not suggest any leukemia. Vit b12 deficiency, alcohol and many other conditions may lead to macrocytic rbcs. So you should not worry about leukemia. Just go for complete blood count and peripheral smear examination. It will give idea about cause.
Hope I have answered your question, if you have doubt then I will be happy to answer. Thanks for using health care magic. Wish you a very good health.
I find this answer helpful
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Is Enlarged RBC And Macrocytosis Sign Of Leukemia?

Hi, dear I have gone through your question. I can understand your concern. She has macrocytosis. It does not suggest any leukemia. Vit b12 deficiency, alcohol and many other conditions nay lead to macrocytic rbcs. So you should not worry about leukemia. Just go for complete blood count and peripheral smear examination. It will give idea about cause. Hope I have answered your question, if you have doubt then I will be happy to answer. Thanks for using health care magic. Wish you a very good health.