would anybody be able to answer a few questions about white cell count please

[scardypants]

Hi,

My mum has been having investigations into the cause of a persistant cough and feeling like there's a lump in her throat. She had blood tests just over a week ago and got a phonecall today from her gp asking her to go back in for more blood tests as her white cell count was raised.

Apparently a normal count would be between 4-11 but Mum's is slightly above at 11.8 so they need more to make a comparision to the last. Maybe to see if it's risen?

She has thyroid problems, not sure if over or under active. She can be quite stressed at times. She's on aspirin and daily pain relief. She smokes. Can't think of anything else that might be a factor.

I know white cell count is an indicator for cancer but ihave no idea how the count really works. Mum is very worried and now I am too.

Anyone know how the count works or what raised count might mean.

I'd appreciate any help

TIA, SC.

I think a raised white cell count can just mean an infection of some sort. DS1's was raised when he had pneumonia IIRC.

11.8 is really barely raised at all. As Soupy says, could just indicate an infection (something as simple as a cold). In terms of cancer, a very high white cell count could be due to a blood-borne cancer, but that would be a much higher figure. Do you know what other tests they've done?

Thank you both for replying. I had an idea they could be raised due to infection butI didn't know by how much. You know how colesterol (sp?) is really bad if it goes up even by 1 number above the accepted parameter?

Also she doesn't have any type of cold at the moment. They did ask her if she was feeling ill or had any flu-like symptoms and I'm a bit scared that they will now rule out cold etc as the cause of the raise and something else might be the cause.

Juwesm you said, wrt cancer, it would be much higher. Is that always the case? Not sure what else she was tested for but her gp did say something about 7 tests on her liver. I really have no idea what that meant or how it was done because she only had blood taken but they all came back fine and a urinalysis [spelt something like that) was also ok. She's going for the scope down her throat next week sometime.

I'm sorry if this all over the place. My head is spining. I'm also a bit embarrassed because I work in the health service and am clueless about all this.

Thanks for helping.

It's difficult to make any judgement based on a single result - they'll look at all her results together, plus how she is physically.

On the whole, I don't think a raised WCC is an obvious indicator of cancer, but I really am no expert. In the presence of other cancer markers (they do specific tests for specific cancers) an abnormal WCC may be more meaningful, but alone less so.

How raised the figure gets can be very variable. In my experience, infections tend to cause WCC to be maybe between normal up to around 30 in a nasty infection. However, it will vary a lot from person to person. In addition, older people may not have as good an immune response as younger people, so in the presence of infection their WCC might not increase much/ might stay in the 'normal' range.

Sorry, not sure if that makes sense. Only half a brain available due to fidgetty baby on boob!

The liver tests were probably a standard set of liver-function tests, another easy way of ruling out lots of problems/ highlighting possible causes.

Try this website for better explanations of test results.

Try not to worry too much, they'll have a much better idea of what the problem is after she's had the scope.

That makes sense now. I was thinking any slight raise was cause for concern. I had gotten myself all upset thinking the worst.

Thanks so much for your help

SC

sorry x-post

Your first made sense and thank you very much for taking the time to reply with the busy baby (aw )

Dp has been talking to a gp friend who has said exactly what you have so we're all more setted now thanks to you both (and SD, thanks)

Hopefully it has been a huge over-reaction on our part.

Take care

has she had her thyroid tested recently ? I have thyorid problems and when my dosage isn't right then i get the feeling of a lump in my throat. I also find it impossible to shake off any colds/infections until I am on the right dose.