Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Rise In WBC Levels?

For several months my WBC has steadily risen, from 13.0 to 18.4 , with neutrophils at 13.9 and my iron is at 41 and ferritin at 16 , also showing large platlets. Doctors have been dismissive until now I have been refered to a hematologist at a cancer center. Could it really be cancer?? What could some possibilities be??
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Sat, 15 Nov 2014 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 17 Nov 2014 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
Pathologist and Microbiologist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM,
A rise in white blood cell count (WBCs) and associated rise in neutrophils is suggestive of infection especially bacterial infection.
Thus, a clinical assessment to look for focus of infection is required.
If infection is ruled out, then neoplastic conditions have to be looked for.
However, neoplastic condition is associated with very high blood counts so possibility of neoplastic condition is low.
Iron level of 41 and ferritin level of 16 is low and thus investigations have to be done to look for the cause of low iron and ferritin.
Thus, consult your hematologist for further management.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
I find this answer helpful
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Blood test


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Rise In WBC Levels?

Hello and welcome to HCM, A rise in white blood cell count (WBCs) and associated rise in neutrophils is suggestive of infection especially bacterial infection. Thus, a clinical assessment to look for focus of infection is required. If infection is ruled out, then neoplastic conditions have to be looked for. However, neoplastic condition is associated with very high blood counts so possibility of neoplastic condition is low. Iron level of 41 and ferritin level of 16 is low and thus investigations have to be done to look for the cause of low iron and ferritin. Thus, consult your hematologist for further management. Thanks and take care Dr Shailja P Wahal