The most common symptom of Hodgkin lymphoma is a swelling in the neck, armpit or groin. The swelling is usually painless, although some people find that it aches. The swelling is caused by an excess of affected lymphocytes (white blood cells) collecting in a lymph node (also called lymph glands). Lymph nodes are pea-sized lumps of tissue found throughout the body. They contain white blood cells that help to fight infection. However, it's highly unlikely that you have Hodgkin lymphoma if you have swollen lymph nodes, as these glands often swell as a response to infection. Read more about lumps and swellings. Some people with Hodgkin lymphoma also have other more general symptoms. These can include: Other symptoms will depend on where in the body the enlarged lymph glands are. For example, if the abdomen (tummy) is affected, you may have abdominal pain or indigestion A few people with lymphoma have abnormal cells in their bone marrow when they're diagnosed. This may lead to: Sometimes, people with Hodgkin lymphoma have pain in their lymph glands when they drink alcohol. See a GP if you have symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma, particularly if you have persistently swollen glands with no other signs of infection. While the symptoms are unlikely to be caused by Hodgkin lymphoma, it is best to get them checked out. Leukocytes are a type of white blood cell (WBC) that help protect your body against illness and infection. Leukocytosis is condition characterized by increased levels of leukocytes in the blood. Although this typically occurs when you’re sick, it can also be caused by several other factors, such as stress. This article will take an in-depth look at some of the types, symptoms, and causes of leukocytosis, along with how to treat and prevent it. There are five different types of leukocytosis: Each form of leukocytosis is linked with several health conditions: When you have very high levels of white blood cells in your body, they can cause your blood to become very thick, which can impair blood flow. This can lead to a condition called hyperviscosity syndrome. Although it can occur with leukemia, it’s very rare. This condition can cause several serious issues,including:
Leukocytosis can also cause other symptoms. This may be related to the effects of the specific type of white blood cell that’s elevated or any underlying health conditions that cause leukocytosis. Some common symptoms include:
Keep in mind that you may not experience any symptoms if your leukocytosis is caused by stress or a reaction to a medication. Causes of leukocytosisThe causes of leukocytosis can be categorized by the specific type of white blood cell that’s elevated. Some of the common causes of neutrophiliainclude:
A few potential causes of lymphocytosis include:
Some of the main causes of eosinophilia include:
Possible causes of monocytosis include:
Causes of basophilia include:
Leukocytosis in pregnancyIt’s normal for pregnant people to have high levels of white blood cells. These levels typically increase slowly throughout pregnancy. During the last trimester of pregnancy, the WBC count is usually between 5,800 and 13,200 per microliter of blood. Not only that, but the stress caused by labor and delivery can also increase levels of white blood cells. The WBC count also remains slightly above normal for a while after the baby is born and is usually around 12,700 per microliter of blood. How leukocytosis is diagnosedNormal white blood cell levels typically range from 4,500 and 11,000 per microliter of blood for most healthy adults who aren’t pregnant. Having white blood cell levels above this range can be a sign of leukocytosis. If you have WBC counts between 50,000 and 100,000 per microliter of blood, it may mean that you have a severe infection, organ rejection, or a solid tumor. Very high WBC counts over 100,000 generally only occur with conditions like leukemia or other types of blood and bone marrow cancer. Three different types of tests are commonly used to help determine why you may have increased levels of white blood cells:
Treatment for leukocytosisThe treatment for leukocytosis can vary depending on its specific cause. Some of the most common treatment optionsinclude:
If you have hyperviscosity syndrome, treatment may involve the use of intravenous fluids and medications to help quickly decrease your WBC levels and improve blood flow. Prevention of leukocytosisThere are several ways that you can prevent leukocytosis, including:
Keep in mind that leukocytosis is a normal immune response designed to protect against infection and illness, which means that it’s not always a cause for alarm. Furthermore, it can also be caused by many other factors, including pregnancy, stress, or intense exercise. Still, it could be a sign of a more serious issue like leukemia or cancer, so it’s important to work with your doctor to determine the cause and evaluate whether treatment is necessary. What causes high white blood cell count and swollen lymph nodes?Leukocytosis is most commonly caused by infection or inflammation. Other high white blood cell count causes may include: Excessive physical or emotional stress (such as fever, injury or surgery).
Does lymphoma cause high white blood cell count?Certain types of cancer, including lymphoma, may lead to an abnormally high white blood cell count. A high WBC count, also known as lymphocytic leukocytosis, can also indicate an existing infection or dysfunction in the immune system.
Does white blood cells cause swollen lymph nodes?Lymph allows white blood cells (lymphocytes) to circulate. When white blood cells multiply abnormally, they cause masses to form and lymph nodes become enlarged. Some lymphomas may affect the bone marrow and interfere with its making of blood cells.
Is a high white blood cell count indicative of cancer?Does a high white blood cell count indicate cancer? Not always. A high white blood cell count could signal certain types of cancer, such as leukemia or lymphoma, but it more often is a sign of inflammation or infection.
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