Does constant decrease in neutrophil count indicate leukemia?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have lowering (variable) neutrophil for past two years. The count is like 2.6, 2.3, 2.0, 2.43, 1.91 being recent, which is lower than usual. The other counts like lymphocytes, platelets, and hemoglobin, RBC are all within range. My only problem is I am getting recurring cold. In the last result, my MPV came a little higher 13.10, whereas normal being 12. I am fearful of leukemia.

I did peripheral smear test as well. No abnormal cell was seen in peripheral smear. Only mild neutropenia was seen. I need help to know precisely why only my neutrophil is getting down? Is it leukemia?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to the icliniq.com.

Your absolute neutrophil count is borderline low in the recent report. In the value of the previous description was within the range that is more than two. So it cannot be called persistent neutropenia because the normal range is more than two. Anyway, your peripheral smear examination report does not show any abnormal cells. So the chance of leukemia is very less according to the mentioned report and peripheral smear examination report.

The repeated cold can be responsible for an increase in lymphocytes and so relative neutropenia can be seen. I hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You need to investigate further with ultrasonography of the abdomen to check the liver and spleen condition. If they are enlarged, then we need further workup or else not. The chance of blood cancer is almost nil according to my opinion, because there are no abnormal cells in the peripheral smear examination report. I hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.