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What Does Low Ferritin Level Indicate?
My blood count was low, but is now normal except for the ferritin level which is low. My doctor put me on iron pills. What does a low ferritin level mean. I m concerned because I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2011. The oncologist says I don t need any more cat scans because he has never seen this cancer come back after five years. My blood count was low when I was having chemo but only while I was having chemo. I went for six month check up and my blood count was low. The doctor said I was slightly anemic and told to eat red meat. My count then became normal except for the ferritin level. Should I be concerned that my cancer has come back?
Thu, 8 Jun 2017
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Measurement of ferritin levels in blood indicates the functioning iron status of the body. If the levels are low, iron needs to be supplemented through medication as well as diet.
Some of the chemotherapeutic agents you are taking for underlying disorder could cause bone marrow suppression and can affect iron status in the body, causing anemia.
Ferritin levels or iron levels have no relation in determining whether the cancer could relapse or not. It depends on the effectiveness of chemotherapy medications and your body's response to it.
Kindly continue with the medications as advised by your treating doctor and do the necessary follow-up as suggested.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Ashakiran S
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Measurement of ferritin levels in blood indicates the functioning iron status of the body. If the levels are low, iron needs to be supplemented through medication as well as diet.
Some of the chemotherapeutic agents you are taking for underlying disorder could cause bone marrow suppression and can affect iron status in the body, causing anemia.
Ferritin levels or iron levels have no relation in determining whether the cancer could relapse or not. It depends on the effectiveness of chemotherapy medications and your body's response to it.
Kindly continue with the medications as advised by your treating doctor and do the necessary follow-up as suggested.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Ashakiran S
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