Lymphocytosis Explained: Symptoms, Causes, and Description of this White Blood Cell Increase
In the realm of medical diagnoses, lymphocytosis - a high lymphocyte count - can be a significant indicator of potential health issues. Doctors use a blood test to detect lymphocytosis, and further tests may be conducted to identify the cause and devise an appropriate treatment plan.
Lymphocytosis can be associated with various conditions, including certain types of leukemia, such as Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL), particularly Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL), which accounts for only about 6% of all NHL cases in the United States.
Symptoms of lymphocytosis can manifest as generalized lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes) and splenomegaly (an enlarged spleen). However, it's essential to note that many other transmissible causes can lead to lymphocytosis, beyond acute viral infections.
These include Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Cytomegalovirus (CMV), both herpesviruses that can cause infectious mononucleosis with associated lymphocytosis. Other viral infections, such as influenza, common cold viruses, and even Chikungunya Virus, can also cause lymphocytosis. Interestingly, co-infections involving viruses and other pathogens may also be relevant.
While bacterial and parasitic infections are less commonly associated with lymphocytosis, conditions like tuberculosis and pertussis could contribute to lymphocyte elevation. Syphilis and some bacterial diseases can also cause lymphocytosis.
It's worth mentioning that CLL, a type of adult leukemia, can have no symptoms at the time of diagnosis. However, possible symptoms include weight loss, weakness, fever, chills, tiredness, pain or fullness in the belly, night sweats, swollen lymph nodes, and treatment options range from watchful waiting to targeted therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.
Stress due to severe diseases and medical conditions, such as heart conditions, epinephrine use, or seizures, can also cause lymphocytosis. Symptoms will depend on the specific condition causing the stress.
Contrary to lymphocytosis, COVID-19 causes low lymphocyte levels. Lymphocytosis itself is not a serious condition, but it could indicate an underlying health problem.
Lymphocytes play a crucial role in the immune system, producing antibodies and fighting cancerous and infected cells. EBV, for instance, can cause infectious mononucleosis, also known as mono, with symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, swollen liver, fever, rash, inflamed throat, and enlarged spleen.
Other viral infections, such as influenza, mumps, hepatitis, rubella, measles, adenovirus, and even Syphilis, can cause lymphocytosis. In some cases, symptoms may be related to the underlying condition causing the lymphocytosis, such as a cough, muscle aches, fever, or rash.
Lastly, it's important to note that Bartonella henselae, a type of bacteria typically contracted from a cat scratch, can cause Cat-Scratch Disease (CSD), which can present with enlarged, tender lymph nodes, fever, a papule or pustule at the scratch site, headache, fatigue, and may require antibiotic medication for those with weakened immune systems.
In summary, lymphocytosis can be a sign of various underlying health issues, ranging from viral infections to leukemia. If you experience persistent symptoms suggestive of lymphocytosis, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL), particularly Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL), can be a potential cause of lymphocytosis, accounting for about 6% of all NHL cases in the United States.
- Besides viral infections, depression, bipolar, and chronic diseases like leukemia can also lead to lymphocytosis, requiring a medical-condition diagnosis and a suitable treatment plan.
- Predictive science and medical-conditions research have found that an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) and generalized lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes) are common symptoms of lymphocytosis, associated with various underlying health issues.
- Health-and-wellness professionals should be aware that co-infections involving viruses and other pathogens may also cause lymphocytosis, as seen in infections such as Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and even Syphilis.
- In some cases, stress due to chronic diseases or severe health conditions can cause lymphocytosis, further emphasizing the importance of understanding the signs and seeking prompt medical help for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
