HomeAnswersMedical oncologyhigh lymphocyte count

Does a rise in the level of lymphocytes indicate blood cancer?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had high lymphocytes in my blood reports that I got tested for in a span of six days. I am worried that I am suffering from blood cancer, and during these tests, I had no fever or cold.

Kindly suggest.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Arshad Hussain Shah

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Arshad Hussain Shah is a Medical Oncologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer using chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. He is dedicated to providing personalized, evidence-based care that supports patients through all stages of cancer treatment while improving their quality of life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

The rise in the levels of lymphocytes can be post-viral infection, chronic infection, or some inflammation.

As you are asymptomatic with no fever, I would like to know if you have any weight loss or palpable lymph nodes in the neck, underarms, or groin. If the answer is no, there is nothing to worry about regarding blood cancer.

You can repeat the test after 15 days, and if the lymphocyte number is increasing, then do a peripheral blood smear test and viral markers.

I hope this information will help you.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

In my neck, I have a very small lymph node on the right, the size of a pea; it has been there for the last five years or maybe even before that. There was no weight loss, and right under the small node, sometimes I can feel it if I go deeper pressing under my arm, and I do not get a fever regularly, maybe once in two to three years, but just a common cold, like once every year.

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Arshad Hussain Shah

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Arshad Hussain Shah is a Medical Oncologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer using chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. He is dedicated to providing personalized, evidence-based care that supports patients through all stages of cancer treatment while improving their quality of life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

There is no need to worry about the small lymph node, as it has been present for five years without any increase in size. Since you have no weight loss, fever, or other concerning symptoms, you appear to be absolutely healthy.

I hope it helps.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I just received my report. I had a CBC test done and requested a peripheral blood smear, but they told me that it would be reflected in the ERC test, so I proceeded with that instead.

My lymphocyte count has increased by eight percent. I have attached the report below.

I would also like to mention that I have a very hard, bone-like structure growing behind my ear. Five years ago, it was small, but it has gradually increased in size. It feels very hard, and sometimes it causes pain. However, I have no fever or weight loss.

Please review and advise.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Arshad Hussain Shah

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Arshad Hussain Shah is a Medical Oncologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer using chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. He is dedicated to providing personalized, evidence-based care that supports patients through all stages of cancer treatment while improving their quality of life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It has not increased significantly. Your lymphocyte count is only mildly elevated, and lymphocyte levels can fluctuate on a daily basis.

Your ECR is within normal limits. I would advise repeating the CBC and a peripheral blood smear after two weeks. A peripheral blood smear can help identify any abnormal lymphocytes or other blood cell abnormalities. I am confident that the results will be normal.

Regarding the condition behind your ear, it is possible that it is related to mastoiditis, which is an infection of the bone behind the ear. This condition is relatively common and often responds well to antibiotics.

I recommend consulting an ENT specialist for a proper evaluation, as there can sometimes be an associated collection or other underlying issue that may require further assessment.

I hope it helps.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello Doctor,

My lymphocyte count was 53 percent, with a reference range of 20 to 50 percent.

Then, it was 52% with a reference range of 28 to 48%, which was 4% above the upper limit. Now, after four months, it is 8% above the reference range. It seems to be gradually increasing, which is concerning me.

I also have anxiety and stress, but otherwise I feel healthy.

Additionally, my neutrophil count is low.

Could you please advise?

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Arshad Hussain Shah

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Arshad Hussain Shah is a Medical Oncologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer using chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. He is dedicated to providing personalized, evidence-based care that supports patients through all stages of cancer treatment while improving their quality of life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

This may be due to an ongoing silent infection. In acute conditions, the counts usually normalize within a couple of weeks. Therefore, even if you repeat the test tomorrow, the lymphocyte count may still be elevated.

By itself, this mild increase has no significant clinical importance. The key point is the peripheral blood smear. If the smear shows normal lymphocytes and no abnormal cells, there is usually no cause for concern.

I routinely see patients with elevated lymphocyte counts following viral infections, and in most cases, the counts gradually return to normal over time.

I hope it helps.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Sure, I will get back to you after two weeks with the repeat reports.

Meanwhile, I am also attaching another blood test and urine test report that was done for LIC purposes. This report was performed after the previous tests, which I had already shared with you.

Please have a look and let me know if you notice anything significant.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Arshad Hussain Shah

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Arshad Hussain Shah is a Medical Oncologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer using chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. He is dedicated to providing personalized, evidence-based care that supports patients through all stages of cancer treatment while improving their quality of life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome back to lcliniq.com.

Both of these tests, including the urine test, are normal. There is nothing to worry about.

Your lymphocyte count is only mildly elevated, and you do not have any concerning clinical symptoms. There is also no evidence of abnormal lymphocytes on the peripheral smear.

At this point, I would simply recommend repeating the CBC and peripheral smear after two weeks for follow-up.

I hope it helps.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Okay, my last query for today.

Could you please tell me which test on the reports I sent corresponds to the peripheral blood smear? I am not sure whether a peripheral smear was actually performed in the reports that I shared with you.

Please let me know which section or test name refers to the peripheral smear.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Arshad Hussain Shah

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Arshad Hussain Shah is a Medical Oncologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer using chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. He is dedicated to providing personalized, evidence-based care that supports patients through all stages of cancer treatment while improving their quality of life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The peripheral smear report you sent does not show any significant abnormality. However, it appears that the examination was not reported in sufficient detail.

I would recommend repeating the peripheral blood smear. A complete report should specifically mention whether there are any abnormal white blood cells, along with details of the differential count, platelet morphology, and any red blood cell (RBC) abnormalities.

A properly documented peripheral smear will provide a clearer assessment and help rule out any underlying hematological concerns.

I hope it helps.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At March 30, 2024
Reviewed At June 24, 2026

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Arshad Hussain Shah is a Medical Oncologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer using chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. He is dedicated to providing personalized, evidence-based care that supports patients through all stages of cancer treatment while improving their quality of life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Arshad Hussain Shah is a Medical Oncologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer using chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. He is dedicated to providing personalized, evidence-based care that supports patients through all stages of cancer treatment while improving their quality of life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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