What causes elevated WBC and lymphocyte levels?
Patient: Hi good afternoon, I recently have had a series of blood tests done as my WBC and Absolute Lymphocytes have slowly increased over 4 mths. WBC went from 9.3 in Oct 2016 to 11.4 in Feb 2017, absolute Lymphocytes went from 32 to40 in the same time frame, I am being sent to a hematologist / oncologist and I am scared outta my mind.. my dad passed away from non Hodgkin's lymphoma and I know it is not hereditary. Im wanting to know what kinds of questions should I be asking when I see my hematologist for the first time next week... I am healthy other wise, stiffness in my neck and hip, and always tired however, I do get up at 4am and work until 330, then home for family stuff and life, til bed time about 10 pm - 11pm.. please let me know what I should be looking for and what I should be asking.. Please thank you, Melissa Doctor: Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.Leukemias and lymphomas rarely run in families, and most of the times, they are sporadic.Just mere increase of lymphocyte count doesn't mean that you got lymphoma. Lymphocytes are increased along with total WBC count in viral infections like flu or dengue or any other viral fevers. Don't worry about the small or minute elevation in the lymphocyte count.Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.Regards,Dr. Siddartha