Customer question:
Do elevated leukocytes in the blood indicate cancer? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
Elevated leukocytes in the blood are not necessarily a sign of cancer. Leukocytes are white blood cells that play a crucial role in fighting infections and other diseases. An increased number of leukocytes in the blood, called leukocytosis, can result from various causes, including infectious diseases, inflammation, allergic reactions, stress, physical exertion, certain bone marrow diseases, and other diseases.
If you have elevated white blood cells, this does not necessarily mean cancer, but it is necessary to discover the underlying cause of the observed problem. Cancer is usually diagnosed using various diagnostic procedures, such as blood tests, imaging tests (e.g., CT, MRI, ultrasound), biopsy, and other specialized tests. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about elevated white blood cells or other related health problems. The doctor will conduct appropriate tests to determine the cause of elevated leukocytes and suggest further steps regarding treatment or control.
Interesting reading: Leukemia in children
Interesting reading: Elevated leukocytes in the blood