Leukocytosis refers to an elevated count of the white blood cells (WBCs). It is not a disease by itself but a laboratory finding that can have various causes such as infections, inflammation, medications, and stress.
If leukocytosis is present despite there being no known cause, an extensive medical history, blood tests, and sometimes consultation with a specialist may help identify the cause.
The important doctor comparison in the editorial lists the following three doctors involved in intense medical assessment and diagnostic procedures.
- Professor (Dr.) Rohit Chhirolya – Nilakantha Brain Clinic
- Dr. Anil Kumar Tripathi
- Dr. Rahul Bhargava
What Is Leukocytosis?
Leukocytosis is an increase in the level of white blood cells in the body. White blood cells are crucial components of the immune system, as they play a role in protecting the body against various infections.
A high WBC count can be a result of
- Bacterial/viral infections
- Inflammation
- Physical/emotional stress
- Some medications
- Smoking
- Disorders with the immune system
- Bone marrow disorders
- Certain blood cancers
The term ‘leukocytosis’ has a special significance based on the clinical picture of the patient as well as the type of white blood cell affected.
When Does Leukocytosis Become a Diagnostic Mystery?
Not all single elevations of WBC levels imply significant disease. Transitory leukocytosis can occur in case of infection or other acute states. However, if leukocytosis is recurrent or unexplained, it requires clinical evaluation by a healthcare worker. The following things might be performed by the healthcare provider:
- A repeat CBC
- A differential WBC count
- A blood smear
- Assessment of the medications used
- Assessment of infections and inflammation
- Examination of other blood-cell abnormalities
- Further hematology tests if necessary
Top 3 Doctors for Leukocytosis in India
1. Prof. (Dr.) Rohit Chhirolya – Nilakantha Brain Clinic, Cuttack
Professor Dr. Rohit Chhirolya is the neurologist at Nilakantha Brain Clinic located in Cuttack. His qualifications include the following: an MBBS, an MD in medicine, and a DM in neurology. The clinic is known for its service in areas such as providing neurological treatment and consultation in internal medicine and infectious diseases, as well as other specialties.
In the case of leukocytosis presenting with neurological symptoms, systemic features, or an indeterminate clinical picture, neurological evaluation may be part of multi-speciality assessment in certain cases.
The clinic also provides the facility of teleconsultation. However, unexplained persistence of leukocytosis may require proper laboratory and clinical examination in certain other clinical situations.
2. Dr. Anil Kumar Tripathi
Anil Kumar Tripathi, M.D., is a well-known specialist in hematology. His knowledge and experience in hematology appear to be enormous considering his profile, where he indicates being a former head of clinical hematology at King George Memorial Medical University and a past director of SGPGIMS and RMLIMS.
His research areas are presented in his scientific work dealing with hematology and hematological disorders like chronic myeloid leukemia, where he has mentioned leukocytosis as one of the main symptoms of this disease.
A hematologist plays an important role in the diagnosis of leukocytosis of unknown origin, where the first tests raise the concern of having a blood or marrow disorder.
3. Dr. Rahul Bhargava
Dr. Rahul Bhargava is a bone marrow transplant expert based in the Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, and specializes in hematology. His professional credentials include an MBBS degree, DM, and MD, and an extensive experience of more than twenty years in the field of hematology.
Among the various conditions that he treats are leukemia, lymphoma, thalassemia, clotting disorders, and bone marrow transplantations.
On the basis of the fact that certain hematological conditions can be characterized by abnormal WBC count, it can be concluded that consultations in hematology can be useful if leukocytosis is observed and there are some other phenomena occurring during tests.
What Tests May Be Used to Investigate Leukocytosis?
Assessment of leukocytosis is based on the clinical history and examination findings of each patient.
The physician can take into account:
- Complete blood count with the differential
- Repeat blood count.
- Blood smear
- Previous CBC results
- Investigations related to infection
- Inflammatory markers
- Review of drugs taken
- Additional hematological investigations if required
In certain cases, additional investigations may be needed to establish whether the rise in WBC count is reactive or of hematological nature.
When Should You Take a High WBC Count Seriously?
It is crucial not to mistake leukocytosis for cancer as many benign and temporary conditions can cause an increase in the WBC count. When there is a high WBC count, however, medical evaluation becomes crucial if the WBC count remains:
- Consistently elevated
- Abnormal multiple times
- Increasing with time
- Associated with anemia or abnormal platelets
- Experienced with unexplained fever
- Experienced with unusual bruising or bleeding
- Experienced with unexplained weight changes or extreme fatigue
- Accompanied by swollen lymph nodes or spleen
Although the signs above do not provide diagnosis, they do suggest that further check-up may be necessary.
Why Specialist Evaluation Matters
Possible explanations for persistent leukocytosis include a variety of possibilities. A specialist will interpret the result together with the symptoms, findings from examination and medical history, and results of other laboratory tests.
A hematologist may be needed in a situation in which a disorder of blood or bone marrow is suspected. Other specialists will be consulted if there is a probable concern about infection, inflammation, or autoimmune disease.
The main aim here is to detect a cause rather than just decrease WBC count.
FAQs
What is Leukocytosis?
Leukocytosis is defined by the presence of higher than normal number of white blood cells in the blood.
Does Leukocytosis always indicate an underlying cancer?
No, Leukocytosis may be seen in conjunction with various conditions such as infections, inflammatory disorders, drug treatments, and others.
When is further investigation of Leukocytosis required?
The need for further investigation arises in the cases of ongoing or unexplained leukocytosis or when it is associated with other abnormal hematological parameters or concerning symptoms.
Can infections induce Leukocytosis?
Yes, infections may lead to changes in white blood cell counts as a result of immune reactions of the body’s systems.
May a single high WBC test suffice for a diagnosis?
Generally speaking, the result will be analyzed in conjunction with other assessments. Repeated tests and further investigations may also be warranted depending on the circumstances.
Conclusion
Leukocytosis can be encountered as a laboratory result that may arise from different causes. Although elevated levels of white blood cells may occur whenever there is an infection, other common causes of leukocytosis should be carefully evaluated for their medical significance. Hence, it is important to note that while this condition can be observed temporarily, if this situation persists or if it is not explained, then its cause should be investigated medically.
The above discussion indicates a comparative statement of teachings and practices of the following doctors:
- Prof. (Dr.) Rohit Chhirolya – Nilakantha Brain Clinic, Cuttack
- Dr. Anil Kumar Tripathi
- Dr. Rahul Bhargava
Different doctors play various roles depending on the case being referred to. Apart from considering the range of white blood cell count levels, there exist an array of factors that are taken into account.
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