Elevated hemoglobin. History of radium implant exposure. Sign of leukemia?
Patient: I have a wbc of 12.6. It was 11.5 6 months ago. my hemoglobin is elevated also.6.5. Is this a sign of leukiemia?  I am 71 years old female and have had thyroid issues for some time. It was burned out with liquid Iodine several years ago.I was also exposed to a raduim implant for 2 days 41 years ago.Thank you so much for your time. Doctor: Hi and thanks for the query,A proper clinical review is first important. Diagnosis of leukemia requires a thin blood film and a bone marrow aspirate for examination a pathologist or a hemotalogist. Indirect measures like raised white blood cells and raised uric acid levels could also be used.  A clinically important sign is actually fatigue, easy bleeding and chest pain.The opinion of a hematologist and an internist could be of great help. Thanks and kind regards,Bain LE, MD.