Acute leukemia is a rapidly progressing cancer of the blood and bone marrow that requires immediate medical attention. It is caused by the uncontrolled production of abnormal white blood cells called blast cells that crowd out healthy blood cells in the bone marrow. The Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential and Platelets is the most important test for initial diagnosis because it detects the presence of blast cells and reveals abnormal blood cell counts characteristic of acute leukemia.
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Acute leukemia is caused by genetic mutations in bone marrow cells that lead to the uncontrolled production of abnormal white blood cells called blast cells. These immature cells multiply rapidly and cannot perform normal immune functions, crowding out healthy red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. While the exact trigger for these mutations is often unknown, risk factors include previous chemotherapy or radiation treatment, certain genetic disorders like Down syndrome, exposure to high levels of radiation or chemicals like benzene, and some viral infections.
The Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential and Platelets is the most important initial test for acute leukemia because it detects the hallmark sign of this cancer: the presence of blast cells (immature white blood cells) in the bloodstream. This comprehensive blood panel measures all blood cell types and reveals characteristic abnormalities including elevated white blood cell counts with immature cells, low red blood cell counts causing anemia, and low platelet counts increasing bleeding risk. The CBC provides crucial screening information that guides your doctor toward additional confirmatory tests like bone marrow biopsy and genetic testing to determine the specific type of acute leukemia and develop a treatment plan.
You should get tested if you experience persistent fatigue and weakness that doesn't improve with rest, frequent infections or fevers, easy bruising or bleeding including nosebleeds or bleeding gums, unexplained weight loss, or bone and joint pain. Additionally, seek testing if you notice pale skin, shortness of breath, enlarged lymph nodes, or small red spots under the skin called petechiae. Because acute leukemia develops rapidly, prompt testing is critical when multiple symptoms appear together or worsen quickly over days to weeks rather than months.
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What this means
Your hemoglobin is slightly below the optimal range, indicating mild anemia. This means your blood isn't carrying quite enough oxygen to your body's tissues, which can explain feelings of fatigue, weakness, or occasional shortness of breath. With proper nutrition and possibly supplementation, this typically improves within a few months.
Recommended actions
Increase iron-rich foods like lean red meat, beans, lentils, and dark leafy greens
Pair iron sources with vitamin C foods (citrus, tomatoes, bell peppers) to boost absorption
Consider an iron supplement after consulting with your doctor about the right dosage
Retest in 8-12 weeks to monitor improvement after dietary changes
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