Lung Cancer And Low White Blood Cell Count

Managing low white blood cell counts.

Lung cancer and low white blood cell count.

White blood cell count wbc this test measures the number of white blood cells in a drop microliter of blood. White blood cell counts can predict whether or not lung cancer patients will benefit from immunotherapy according to research presented at the european lung cancer conference elcc. White blood cells are infection fighters. The problems caused by low blood counts depend on which type of blood cell is affected.

It s important to understand why blood counts can drop and what to expect if they do. Low white blood cell count and cancer. A low white blood cell count can turn a small cut into a starting point for a serious infection. They can also help lower the risk of or treat infection.

One important type of wbc is the neutrophil. A high wbc count may result from an infection or leukemia. White blood cells wbcs fight infections from bacteria viruses fungi and other pathogens organisms that cause infection. Be gentle when brushing your teeth and blowing your nose.

Low blood cell counts. As a non specific marker of systemic inflammation the white blood cell count wbc has relevant diagnostic and prognostic utility in cancer patients with its unexplained rise in lung carcinoma. These cells are made in the bone marrow and travel in the blood throughout the body. A low wbc count may be due to chemotherapy a viral infection a toxic reaction or a process in the bone marrow that limits the body s ability to make normal wbcs.

When chemotherapy damages white blood cells the immune system is suppressed there is a higher risk for infection. Ask someone else to cut up food in the kitchen. Cancer and cancer treatment often cause drops in blood count levels. The following medicines may help increase wbc counts.

If there s no clear reason for a low white blood cell count your doctor will probably want to do the test again or do a differential or diff along with the cbc.