Abnormal White Blood Cells

White blood cells are a critical part of the immune system, and are responsible for fighting everything from parasites to cancer. There are several types of white blood cells responsible for specific functions in the immune system. They are produced by the bone marrow. Like any part of the human body, the process of forming white blood cells can sometimes malfunction or short circuit in the bone marrow, leading to different risks and health problems, depending on the effect on a specific type of white blood cell.

Abnormal White Blood Cells

The five major types of white blood cells are:Leukemia Causes by LA Oncologists

  • Basophils
  • Lymphocytes
  • Monocytes
  • Neutrophils
  • Eosinophils

If a blood or other diagnostic test indicates a high or abnormal white blood cell count, it can indicate several problems, including:

  • allergies
  • trauma
  • inflammation
  • infection
  • stress

In some cases, an elevated white blood cell count can be an indication of a certain type of blood cancer. There are many subtypes of blood cancer. The main four types of blood cancer are:

  • Leukemia
  • Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
  • Hodgkin lymphoma
  • Multiple myeloma

Blood cancer also encompasses malignant cells in the bone marrow and lymph nodes. Other subtypes of blood cancers include:

  • Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment
  • Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Treatment
  • Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Treatment
  • Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment
  • Hairy Cell Leukemia Treatment
  • Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Signs and Symptoms of Blood Cancer

  • Persistent fatigue, weakness
  • Fever, chills
  • Loss of appetite
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Headaches
  • Frequent infections
  • Itchy skin or skin rash
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarms, groin
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Night sweats
  • Bone/joint pain

Leukemia and Blood Cancer Treatment in Beverly Hills

The board-certified oncologists and leukemia specialists at the Cancer Center of Southern California in Los Angeles are at the forefront of cancer treatment, research, and clinical trials, which results in some of the most advanced and effective treatments available for blood and other types of cancer.

Diagnosing blood cancer can depend on several factors, including identifying the type of white blood cell responsible for the proliferation, in order to find the most appropriate treatment option for each patient. The Cancer Center of Southern California also provides state of the art diagnostic testing for blood cancer.

There are several standard treatment options for blood cancer, depending on the type, stage, grade, and individual patient. The three most common treatment modalities available for blood cancer treatment are:

  • Stem cell/bone marrow transplant
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation

The outlook and prognosis for leukemia, lymphoma, and other forms of blood cancer will also depend greatly on the specifics of the blood cells affected, the stage at which the disease is diagnosed, and the patient’s individual health and medical history. Like all forms of cancer, some types of blood cancer and white blood cell abnormalities result from genetic factors and mutations. Patients exhibiting any symptoms that do not resolve on their own that may indicate an abnormal white blood cell count should seek immediate medical attention in order to receive an accurate and speedy diagnosis and treatment plan.

Next, read Too Many White Blood Cells.