Question 1

could low platelet count always mean cancer?

Accepted Answer

No: There are many other causes, including being one of the several percent of healthy folks who happen to fall below the reference range, which the lab keeps narrow just for this reason.

Question 2

is this true?..35 percent of people who have high platelet counts also have cancer... sometimes a high platelet count is the first sign of cancer.

Accepted Answer

Thrombocytosis: Yes a high platlet count can sometime be a sgn of cancer.

Question 3

61and stage2colon cancer,had 3cycles of folfox and she is about to have the next round,but hemoglobin dropped from 10.6 to 10 in one round,platelet count is 70000, could she have the next cycle?onco seems to be ok with all this but we're worried.

Accepted Answer

Not too bad: The Hemoglobin level is fine. Platelets should be 10,000 or over and rising. So it is a good idea to get one more CBC or Platelet count 72 hours from the last(low value) test.

Question 4

i just received my blood test results and my platelet count is 429....how concerned should i be?  someone said i could have cancer!!!!!!!

Accepted Answer

Follow it: Some folks run a high platelet count. The reference range for most labs is set so that a few percent of healthies fall outside on either end. The most common cause of a relatively high platelet count like yours is beginning iron deficiency and it can happen before you actually become anemic. Your physician knows whether to screen -- he/she will ask about diet, female loss, maybe check for bleeding

Question 5

i have a mean cell hb of 23.6. it should be between 27 - 32 pg. my platelet count is 463. should be between 150- 400 10^9/l. i read these can be anemia. but my other bloods are fine. i also read it could be cancer? dr not bothered. what could it be?

Accepted Answer

: All laboratory results need to be interpreted in the clinical context and the doctor who ordered the tests is usually in the best position to do that. Talk to the doctor who ordered the tests. Having said that, your findings are like due to iron deficiency. Take oral iron and multivitamins and repeat the tests in about 6 months.     Wish you good health!

Question 6

does wbc & platelet count remain high for most of the tumors/cancers ? is the same applicable for esr too ?

Accepted Answer

No...: WBC is related to specific immune challenges. Platelets for clotting related issues. Bone marrow issues can involve both. ESR ...indicate inflammation, anemia...Different types of cancer/tumor affect them diffrently.

Question 7

should i be concerned about cancer with having a high platelet count of 816, 000? i also have iron deficency anemia. i can't stop worrying.

Accepted Answer

Recheck it: Iron deficiency could be the cause but it is important to follow up on it. Please recheck it after correction of iron deficiency. Then get a CBC and see what changes have taken place. Also watch WBC count. If the platelet count persists above 500, 000 then you need to see a hematologist for further evaluation.

Question 8

how/should i raise my platelet count, 43k/ul? i have stage 4 prostate cancer. dr. has given my 2 to 6 months. my plt has been going down for 5 months

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately there: is no way to raise the count other than transfusion. It would probably be beneficial for you and your family to discuss your plans for a comfortable end game with a palliative care team. Ask your health care professionals for a referral.

Question 9

is a platelet level of 446 anything to worry about? ive read that cancers cause it and even a rare et cancer.. i have always had a platelet count of around 420. asked doc with no response yet. my anxiety is killing me. other blood counts was normal?

Accepted Answer

: Assume that all blood tests have a variation in resluts of at least ±10%. So 10% of 420 is 42. 420+42 is 462.  So within error rage expected. I would discuss with the lab and get it repeated. And ask why it was done in the first place.

Question 10

apart from dengue and blood cancer, what causes a fall in platelet count (thrombocytopenia) ?

Accepted Answer

Lots of things: Certain medications, and other viral infections can do it as well.  Sometimes severe illness and malnutrition can do it.

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Doctor answers about:

Platelet count in cancer patients

A member asked:

Could low platelet count always mean cancer?

A member asked:

Is this true?..35 percent of people who have high platelet counts also have cancer... sometimes a high platelet count is the first sign of cancer.

A member asked:

61and stage2colon cancer,had 3cycles of folfox and she is about to have the next round,but hemoglobin dropped from 10.6 to 10 in one round,platelet count is 70000, could she have the next cycle?onco seems to be ok with all this but we're worried.

A member asked:

I just received my blood test results and my platelet count is 429....how concerned should i be? someone said i could have cancer!!!!!!!

A member asked:

I have a mean cell hb of 23.6. it should be between 27 - 32 pg. my platelet count is 463. should be between 150- 400 10^9/l. i read these can be anemia. but my other bloods are fine. i also read it could be cancer? dr not bothered. what could it be?

A member asked:

Does wbc & platelet count remain high for most of the tumors/cancers ? is the same applicable for esr too ?

A member asked:

Should i be concerned about cancer with having a high platelet count of 816, 000? i also have iron deficency anemia. i can't stop worrying.

A member asked:

How/should i raise my platelet count, 43k/ul? i have stage 4 prostate cancer. dr. has given my 2 to 6 months. my plt has been going down for 5 months

A member asked:

Is a platelet level of 446 anything to worry about? ive read that cancers cause it and even a rare et cancer.. i have always had a platelet count of around 420. asked doc with no response yet. my anxiety is killing me. other blood counts was normal?

A member asked:

Apart from dengue and blood cancer, what causes a fall in platelet count (thrombocytopenia) ?

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