Low white blood cell count and cancer
Neutropenia and cancer; Absolute neutrophil count and cancer; ANC and cancer
The White Blood Cell (WBC) Count measures two components; the total number of WBC's (leukocytes) and the differential count. The differential count measures the percentages of each type of leukocyte present. WBC's are composed of granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils) and non-granulocytes (lymphocytes and monocytes). White blood cells are a major component of the body's immune system. Indications for a WBC count include infectious and inflammatory diseases; leukemia and lymphoma; and bone marrow disorders.
This picture shows a skin infection (ecthyma) that has eroded through the top layer of skin (epidermis). Ecthyma gangrenosum is a bacterial skin infection (caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa) that usually occurs in people with a compromised immune system.
Why It Occurs
A person with cancer can develop a low WBC count from the cancer or from treatment for the cancer. Cancer may be in the bone marrow, causing fewer neutrophils to be made. The WBC count can also go down when cancer is treated with chemotherapy drugs, which slow bone marrow production of healthy WBCs.
How Low Is Too Low?
When your blood is tested, ask for your WBC count and specifically, your neutrophil count. If your counts are low, do what you can to prevent infections. Know the signs of infection and what to do if you have them.
What You Can Do to Prevent Infections
Prevent infections by taking the following measures:
- Be careful with pets and other animals to avoid catching infections from them.
- Practice safe eating and drinking habits.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Stay away from people who have symptoms of an infection.
- Avoid traveling and crowded public places.
When to Call the Doctor
If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your health care provider:
- Fevers, chills, or sweats.
- Diarrhea that does not go away or is bloody.
- Severe nausea and vomiting.
- Being unable to eat or drink.
- Extreme weakness.
- Redness, swelling, or drainage from any place where you have an IV line inserted into your body.
- A new skin rash or blisters.
- Pain in your stomach area.
- A very bad headache or one that does not go away.
- A cough that is getting worse.
- Trouble breathing when you are at rest or when you are doing simple tasks.
- Burning when you urinate.
References
American Cancer Society website. Why people with cancer are more likely to get infections.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Preventing infections in cancer patients.
Freifeld AG, Kaul DR. Infection in the patient with cancer. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 34.
Version Info
Last reviewed on: 4/18/2023
Reviewed by: John Roberts, MD, Professor of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology), Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, Pediatrics, Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
