What does a high white blood cell count mean UK?

An elevated number of white blood cells is called leucocytosis. This can result from bacterial infections, inflammation, leukaemia and other blood disorders, trauma, medication, or post-operatively. A WBC count of 11.0–17.0×109/L cells would be considered mild to moderate leucocytosis.

What could a high white blood cell count indicate?

A high white blood cell count usually indicates: An increased production of white blood cells to fight an infection. A reaction to a drug that increases white blood cell production. A disease of bone marrow, causing abnormally high production of white blood cells.

Is a high white blood cell count something to worry about?

On its own, leukocytosis is usually not harmful. An abnormally raised white blood cell count is not a disease condition, but can point to another underlying cause such as infection, cancer or autoimmune disorders. An abnormally high white blood cell count should always be considered for its possible causes.

Is high white blood cell count linked to cancer?

Does cancer cause elevated white blood cell count? Lung cancer can cause a high WBC count because of infections like bronchitis or pneumonia that can happen along with cancer. WBC counts increase when the immune system fights these infections.

How do I check my white blood cell count?

Your doctor measures how many of these cells you have by sending some of your blood to a lab to do a complete blood count, or CBC. Your white blood cell count is one of the numbers you get back from this test. It may point toward or confirm a diagnosis, or show whether a treatment is working or not.

What kind of doctor treats high white blood cells?

WBC disorders are usually treated by hematologists who specialize in blood disorders or immunologists who specialize in disorders of the immune system. Since white blood cells are produced in the bone marrow, a bone marrow biopsy might be needed to complete the workup.

What happens to the WBC count when you have an infection?

When you get sick, your body makes more white blood cells to fight the bacteria, viruses, or other foreign substances causing your illness. This increases your white blood count. Other diseases can cause your body to make fewer white blood cells than you need. This lowers your white blood count.

What cancers cause high white blood cells?

The following conditions can cause white blood cell counts to be high: Viral or bacterial infection….More serious conditions that may cause high white blood cell counts include blood disorders, including:

• Leukemia.
• Lymphoma.
• Bone marrow disorders such as polycythemia vera or myelofibrosis.

What is a dangerously high WBC count?

A normal white blood cell count is generally about 4,500 to 11,000/μL. White blood cell counts that are too high or too low may be dangerous, depending on the cause. A high white blood cell count is called leukocytosis, which is generally diagnosed when white blood cell levels exceed 11,000/μL.

What is a critical low white blood cell count?

A low white blood cell count in adults is less than 4,000 cells per microliter of blood. A low white blood cell count can be an indicator of certain conditions, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, vitamin deficiencies, or a side effect of cancer treatment.

Does a high white blood cell count mean you have cancer?

High white blood cells can mean anything from cancer to something mere like an infection. For instance, slightly elevated white blood cell count should not worry you that much. However, it should never be ignored. There are also other factors that can cause high white blood cells to count in cancer patients.

What is the reason for elevated white blood cell count?

An elevated white blood cell count could be caused by a viral, bacterial or a parasitic infection. When the body is fighting off infections, the bone marrow works overtime to release more white blood cells.

What does extremely high white blood cell count mean?

A high white blood cell count is called leukocytosis and can mean that your body is dealing with extra stress. This can be in the form of an infection, inflammation, injury, allergic reaction, or emotional stress.

Does cancer always result in high white blood cell count?

Most will not: Most cancers will not result in an elevated white blood cell count. A type of leukemia called cll is one exception– these counts can be extremely hi…