Can a CBC Detect Leukemia?

A complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most frequently used diagnostic tests to identify leukemia. If a CBC reveals abnormally high amounts of white blood cells (WBCs) while showing low levels of red blood cells (RBCs) or platelets, or both, it may be a good indicator that further testing is needed.

Understanding CBC Results and Leukemia

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects white blood cells. It starts in the bone marrow as a result of an abnormal change in a cell. While not all types of leukemia cause abnormal CBC results, a CBC can only be considered a screening test with a high number of false negatives and some false positives.

Types of Blood Cells and Their Function

There are three types of blood cells:

Red blood cells (RBCs) carry oxygen to organs and tissues. White blood cells (WBCs) fight infections. Platelets help blood clot and stop bleeding.

Leukemia begins in a bone marrow cell, which undergoes a change and ultimately becomes a leukemia cell. Once this change occurs, the leukemia cells may grow and survive better than normal cells. Over time, leukemia cells suppress the production of normal cells, leading to a variety of symptoms and health complications.

Types of Leukemia

Leukemia can be classified into several types, with approximately 10 different types in total. The rate at which leukemia progresses and replaces normal bone marrow cells varies, with some patients living long lives after diagnosis and treatment. Treatment options are highly variable and depend on the specific type of leukemia.

Types of Treatment

Monitoring: Treatment for slower-growing types of leukemia often involves close monitoring of the condition. Chemotherapy: This involves the use of drugs to kill leukemia cells, often targeting specific weaknesses in the cancer cells. Radiation Therapy: Utilizing high-energy rays to destroy leukemia cells. Stem-Cell Transplant: A procedure where diseased bone marrow is replaced with healthy stem cells after high-dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Biological Therapy: Aims to boost the immune system to help fight leukemia. Targeted Therapy: Directly attacks specific weaknesses in the cancer cells based on their study.

Additional Resources

For more information and guidance, you can refer to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website, cancer.gov, which is designed for both laypeople and professionals. This resource provides excellent answers to common questions and suggestions on what to discuss with your doctor.

Unfortunately, leukemia can be a complex and serious condition, but with appropriate evaluation and treatment, many people successfully manage it. For personalized advice and support, consult with a healthcare professional.

Good luck!