A member asked:

Does a high white blood cell count mean i have cancer?

9 doctors weighed in across 3 answers

Not necessarily: White blood counts can be elevated as a result of an infection or inflammatory process. When this happens it is called a leukemoid reaction and is a normal physiologic response.

Answered 8/20/2020

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Not necessarily: While high WBC count is associated with leukemia infections are more commonly associated with high WBC count.

Answered 7/10/2018

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Dr. Liawaty Ho answered

Specializes in Hematology and Oncology

Not necessarily: Many conditions such as infection, inflammatory process, infarction can increase white blood cells count. This is a normal body response. However, if white blood cell counts persistently elevated in the absence of infection/inflammation &/or if it is associated with abnormality on the other blood counts-red blood and platelets -further evaluations including bone marrow biopsy is likely needed.

Answered 6/5/2018

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