White blood cells (WBCs), also called leukocytes, are a type of blood cell that plays a vital role in the body’s immune system. They help to protect the body from infection and disease by fighting off bacteria, viruses, and other foreign invaders. WBC’s more than the standard limit doesn’t always mean that patient is suffering from Cancer. We will be discussing the same in detail using real example but before that let us all understand the Types of WBC’s and their role in human body.
Types of WBC’s
Neutrophils
Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell, also known as leukocytes, that play a crucial role in the immune system’s response to infections. They are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are a critical component of the body’s innate immune system, which provides immediate defense against pathogens such as bacteria and fungi.
Neutrophils are an essential part of the body’s defense against infections, particularly bacterial infections. Abnormalities in neutrophil count or function can lead to increased susceptibility to infections or the development of inflammatory conditions. Routine blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC), can provide information about a person’s neutrophil levels, helping to diagnose and monitor certain medical conditions.
It is recommended to go through the Blood Test atleast once in 2 to 3 months to know the issues being developed at the primary level only.
Eosinophils
Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell, specifically a granulocyte, that plays a significant role in the immune system’s response to certain infections and allergic reactions. They are characterized by their large, bi-lobed nuclei and the presence of distinct granules in their cytoplasm. Eosinophils derive their name from the staining of these granules, which often takes on a pink or red color when exposed to certain dyes.
Eosinophils are just one of several types of white blood cells, each with its own specific functions in the immune system. Their role in allergic reactions and the defense against parasites makes them an essential part of the body’s immune response, helping to protect against both environmental allergens and certain infections.
Basophils
Basophils are a type of white blood cell (leukocyte) that play a role in the immune response, particularly in allergic reactions and inflammation. They are one of the least common types of white blood cells and constitute only a small fraction of the total white blood cell count in the bloodstream. Basophils are characterized by their large, granular cytoplasm and are known for their involvement in allergic responses.
Basophils are a relatively small component of the immune system, but their ability to release histamine and other inflammatory mediators can have a significant impact on the body’s response to allergens and infections. They are an important part of the immune system’s toolbox for maintaining health and responding to various challenges.
Lymphocytes
Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell (leukocyte) that plays a central role in the immune system, defending the body against infections and other foreign invaders. They are a critical component of the adaptive immune system, which is the branch of the immune system responsible for recognizing and targeting specific pathogens.
There are two primary categories of lymphocytes: B lymphocytes (B cells) and T lymphocytes (T cells). Each type of lymphocyte has distinct functions.
Lymphocytes are primarily found in the lymphatic system, which includes lymph nodes, the spleen, and other lymphoid tissues. They circulate in the bloodstream but can also migrate to specific sites of infection or inflammation in response to chemical signals.
Lymphocyte counts can be assessed through blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) with differential. Abnormalities in lymphocyte counts or function can indicate various medical conditions, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and immunodeficiency disorders.
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Monocytes
Monocytes are a type of white blood cell (leukocyte) that plays a vital role in the immune system’s defense against infections and other immune-related functions. They are part of the innate immune system, which provides the body with immediate, non-specific protection against a wide range of pathogens.
Monocytes are versatile immune cells that bridge the gap between the immediate, non-specific defenses of the innate immune system and the specific, adaptive immune response. They contribute to the body’s ability to recognize, engulf, and neutralize pathogens while also playing important roles in tissue maintenance and repair.
Range of WBC’s in human body
The normal number of WBCs in the blood is 4,500 to 11,000 WBCs per microliter (4.5 to 11.0 × 109/L). Refer https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/tests/wbc-count#:~:text=The%20normal%20number%20of%20WBCs,or%20may%20test%20different%20specimens.
Higher range of WBC’s more than the standard limit (4,500 – 11,000) doesn’t mean Cancer always
Let us take the real life example in this case. A 65 year old man was continuosly felling ill with reasons like weakness, fever and inability to eat food. Taking that as the sign of ageing, family thought it to be nothing but a phase where due to fever, patient had no willingness to eat. Once when the patient got up to open the door after ringing of door bell, he fell down due to weakness and ended up breaking his right femur.
He was suggested surgery as the only option of this type of injury and was told to stop consuming blood thinner medicine for 3 days and was to go for a surgery on 4th day. His family doctor told him to get himself tested and recommended tests like CBC, LFT and KFT before operation. On observation of CBC, it was confirmed that his WBC’s count are too high for him to undergo any surgery as the only pre requisite shared by the surgeon was to have all the components in range.
Patient was hospitalised as the count which was 40,000 was too high and created doubt in the mind of doctor that he might be a victim of cancer. In normal situations, it is seen that the more the level of WBC , the more are the chances of cancer. He was on medication in hospital and being tested every second day to check the ratio of WBC cells. Doctor confirmed that the blood doesn’t have cancer cells and the ratio is high due to long illness and can be treated. After 5 days of antibiotic course in hospital followed by 10 days of oral medicine, patient’s WBC came in range and he could get his surgery done.
It is normally said that a high WBC count places the patient at risk for a fatal infection. It indicates massive infection or a serious disease such as leukemia or other types of blood or bone marrow cancer.
Let us continue on the health status of a patient mentioned above. Medicines which cured him from infection in White Blood Cells were stopped and he started living the normal life. Once when he developed serious pain in the abdomen and had yellowish eyes, he was again recommended few tests and it came to the notice that his WBC count has started increasing again. To further investigate, ultrasound and Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) test was conducted. After the reports, it was found that he had multiple stones in pancreas and gallbladder that requires immediate attention.
If pancreatitis stone goes untreated, the complications can be very serious. Digestive fluids from the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, may back up into your body and lead to an infection known as cholangitis. You may also develop yellowish eyes and skin which is called jaundice which he already had. Minor surgery of the same was done on an immediate basis through endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) followed by sphincterotomy and extraction. ERCP is a technique that combines the use of endoscopy and fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat certain problems of the biliary or pancreatic ductal systems. It is primarily performed by highly skilled and specialty trained gastroenterologists.
Day after the removal of stones from pancreas, gall bladder was removed. After the removal, CBC test was conducted again and it was found that WBC count is in range.
So, it is very clear that higher range of WBC’s more than the standard limit (4,500 – 11,000) doesn’t mean Cancer always. There can be other reasons too which need correct diagnosis. It was not cancer that was raising the count but the multiple stones which deteriorated the condition. Had the diagnosis been done at the right time, stones would have been removed and patient might not have had a fall due to dizziness which broke his femur and made him suffer for a long time.
It is always recommended after an age of 60 to be in touch with the medical practioner and seek his timely advise and undergo tests to avoid major issues.
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