What is the meaning of enlarged blood cells?
Patient: I am worried. My parner (55 yr old man) has just been given the results of his blood test (he went because he had a lot of diarrorreah and is losing weight a bit - and stressed). He was told he has "enlarged red bood cells" - but that all other blood results results are OK - no problems showing with liver function etc. But he has been asked to return for a further test - the Dr doesn't seem too worried - he mentioned possible anaemia. But my partner now has to wait nearly 3 weeks for the next blood test. I've looked up on NHS pt info and it says a lot about leukemia?? What could "enlarged red blood cells" mean? Doctor: Hi,Do not worry.Enlarged blood cells means macrocytes. These are cells which have much larger volume than normal RBC.These are seen in anemia (low hemoglobin) due to vit B12 or folic acid deficiency.A follow up is advised to identify the amount of vitamin deficiency by doing biochemical assay.Recent diarrhea was another symptom and was not the cause of vitamin deficiency.Any further queries, happy to help again.Dr. Prakash HM