Can a leukemia patient have a normal CBC?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am 36 years old. Will my CBC be normal if I have leukemia? For the past several months, I have been exhausted, have had constant headaches, have had bruises appearing without injury sometimes in strange places like my stomach, and have had joint and bone pain. My dad has lymphoma, and my maternal grandmother died of blood cancer.
Please help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. It is highly unlikely.
2. Bruises, if they are appearing, could be a platelet or vascular disorder. As CBC (complete blood count) is normal, platelet disorder is ruled out. Vascular disorder, if present, requires study.
3. If a lymphoma is suspected, need to look for any lymph node enlargement. If there is any swelling in the neck, in the axillary region, or in the inguinal region, then it requires biopsy or FNAC (fine needle aspiration cytology).
4. If there is a vascular disorder, injuries should usually start bruising if it is occurring, without any damage. Being a normal CBC, there is no leukemia. Lymphoma requires a search for lymph nodes.
I hope it helps.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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