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High white blood cell count
17-F
I had blood work done a few weeks ago and the results came back that I had a high white blood cell count. So now I need to get a bunch of tests done to figure out what's wrong. I have two questions.
1) What kind of tests will be done?
2) I read that high white blood cells could be causes by a bunch of different types of leukemia. I've always been terrified of getting cancer. But I also read it comes from smoking. I don't personally smoke but both my parents have for years so I've been breaking it in the day I was born. I also frequently burn candles in my room. Is it a much greater chance that those could be the reasons?
I'm also over weight, if that helps determine anything.
I know that probably nobody on here is a doctor. But anyone a bit knowledgeable with this can be helpful.
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As you hypothesized (to my knowledge), none of us have a medical degree here. I take a medication that requires me to keep tabs on my red and white cell counts, so I can only speak from experience and randomly absorbed knowledge.
You're looking at probably a couple more vials of blood to be drawn, I'm guessing a CBC (complete blood count, to be doubly sure the problem hasn't resolved itself), a WBC (white blood count) to look at the details of what's going on with your white count, and any other tests your doctor wants to do, depending on the rest of your symptoms, if you have any, and family history. No big deal. :)
You are correct that high white blood cell count could be a presentation of leukemia - but it could also be something as simple as some kind of minor infection - something you'd just need to take some antibiotics for, and you'd be fine.
Now, from what I've read, smoking is listed as a possibly cause for leukemia, but it's also noted that many people who have the risk factors don't have leukemia, and many people who have leukemia do not have the risk factors. Researchers are not completely sure of the cause of that particular cancer, so it's impossible to say. Smoking is obviously not healthy, but you're doing the best you can in your given situation. Candles shouldn't be an issue. The smoke and scents they give off are pretty much harmless - there's no tar in them to inhale.
I can't tell you for sure it's not leukemia, unless the rest of your counts are fine (in which case it most likely isn't), but I CAN tell you that cancer is not the most likely reason for a raised white count.
So, talk to your doctor, do whatever tests need to be done, and don't be scared. Do keep track of any symptoms you have. If you feel a cold coming on, or a cough, any fevers - anything abnormal, even feeling extra tired.
Hang in there. You can always have a parent or legal guardian page your doctor, if you're worried, and get more detail about his or her concerns.
Good luck. :)
Siren
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