Could my son's suspected lymphoma be a simple infection?

Question

Hi doctor,

My son had a full blood count as he experienced a fever (38 degrees Fahrenheit) for the past ten days. The onset of fever is around 5 PM. I took him to the emergency department and they are questioning whether he may have lymphoma. His WBC was 16.65x10^3/uL, LY% 5.6, BO% 26.8, NE 9.73. Can it not be a simple infection? Glandular fever for instance?

Please advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

His total leukocyte count is increased, but the main reason for your doctor's suspicion of a hematolymphoid malignancy is the high basophil percentage. Leukemia is diagnosed by the presence of blasts more than 20 % in the blood and or bone marrow and more than 25 % in the case of lymphoblastic leukemia.

It can only be confirmed by the examination of the blood and bone marrow. If the percentage of blasts is consistent with leukemia, further tests like flow cytometry and genetic testing will be required for treatment.

It is better to get a hematolymphoid malignancy ruled out.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.