In chronic granulocytic leukemia, immature granulocytes at all stages (intermediate granulocytes, late granulocytes, and rod granulocytes) and a few na?ve cells can be seen in the blood routine, while in chronic lymphocytic leukemia, the total number and proportion of lymphocytes are significantly elevated. Both diseases can be associated with elevated white blood cells, anemia, and altered platelet counts.
Typical acute leukemia has "one high, two lows" in the blood count: abnormally high white blood cells, along with anemia and thrombocytopenia, and dizziness, pale face and lips, tightness in the chest and shortness of breath after activity, as well as bleeding from the nose, gums, or the skin after a minor collision.
Primary thrombocythemia is typified by normal white blood cells, normal hemoglobin, but a markedly elevated platelet count. If this type of tumor is suspected, the next step requires a bone marrow examination as well as specific genetic testing, which can increase the credibility of the diagnosis if a specific genetic mutation is present.
Extended information:
Many tumors do not present abnormally in the early stages and are difficult to detect even with tumor marker tests. However, an experienced hematologist can detect the telltale signs of hematologic tumors from the simplest of blood tests.
It should be noted that leukemia does not always have leukocytosis, and normal white blood cells without anemia and thrombocytopenia are also found. However, once abnormal cells/primitive cells/na?ve cells appear in the blood count, acute leukemia should be highly suspected and further examination is needed immediately.
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