Does an elevated WBC always indicate leukemia?

Question

Hello doctor,

I got blood work done and WBC was 14.8 and absolute neutrophils were 10.9. I was suffering from sun poisoning and a sinus infection. I also suffer from severe anxiety and panic disorder. I just want to know if this is an indication of leukemia.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

An elevated WBC (white blood cell) count does not necessarily indicate leukemia. Even a mild infection can lead to the elevation of WBC count.

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells. The most common symptoms are pale skin, fever, enlarged spleen or liver, fever, chills, night sweats, fatigue and other flu-like symptoms. So, you do not need to suspect leukemia only with an elevated WBC count.

I would like to know if you had any other history of a morbid illness.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

There is no need to panic looking at these numbers. It is quite normal in many having infections.

Please attach other reports and mention if you had a history of fever, cough, sore throat, or any other recent illness.

Most importantly, let me know what made you get the count done. Was it part of a routine investigation or was there any specific cause?

Thank you.