Leukemia or just in my mind??

[Sid283]

I recently had a physical exam (just routine).  Everything was fine other than my blood platelet count was 95,000.  I've got no outward sign (bruising, bleeding, etc.).  I feel fine.  My WBC was 6.3 and RBC at 5.76.  I do have a "diseased gallbladder" (ejection fraction at only 6.4% and I'm on High blood pressure medicine.  Everything I read online says that the low blood platelet count could be related to cancer.

Please let me know if anyone has experienced this.

Thanks,

Sid283

[Dennis MD]

Hi Dawnburns1970.
Have you been seen by a hematologist?
Thrombocytosis or elevated platelet count could be essential (unknown or no identifiable cause) or secondary (consequence of another disorder).  Causes of secondary thrombocytosis include iron-deficiency anemia, infection, malignancy, collagen vascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, etc.  
I think what is best is to look for the cause of thrombocytosis.  In an asymptomatic patient, this condition does not need therapy.  Before any treatment is given, the cause should be elucidated.
I suggest you go back to your doctor for further work-ups.
Good luck.

[M51970]

I was diagnosed with low platelets (60,000) 8 years ago and like you, have had no other symptoms. Supposedly the "bad" stuff has been ruled out with a bone marrow biopsy and other blood work. I was tols that my condition is idiopathic, meaning, they don't know what is causing the low platelets. Usually in this case it is an autoimmune condition in which the body destroys the platelets thinking that they are foreign. Strangly enough, I tested neg for that as well. My Dr's are baffled and I still worry almost every day, yes, even 8 years later. Are you seeing a hematologist? Have you had a bone marrow biopsy. You should definately do both. Good Luck!

[Sid283]

No other symptoms.  I feel fine.  I'm having an ultrasound on my spleen tomorrow morning.

Thanks,
sid283

[Sid283]

Thanks
I'm having an unltrasound on my spleen tomorrow morning.  He hasn't given me any indication of what he thinks it might be.
Good luck to you as well.

[Dawnburns1970]

Hi Dennis I have so many things going on it's very disconcerting and I hope I'm just being paranoid, recently had skin pigmentation, gallbladder removal to to infections, axillary adenopathy (which my dr. dismissed as "common") and now most recently a high platelet count, although not too high I guess, 557,000.  Any suggestions?  Very troubled but remain positive

Dawnburns1970

[Dawnburns1970]

hi Sid283
I have simalar symptoms.  Just had my gallbladder removed dut to infection.  Also have night sweats, bruise easily and high platelets, along with axillary adenopathy.  My dr. says nothing to worry about.  I feel your angst and hope you get some resolution.  Any follow up your dr. is doing?  What do they think it is?  

Dawnburns1970

[Dennis MD]

Hi.
Do you have any symptoms?
There are so many causes of low platelet count.  It could be caused by increased destruction of circulating platelets, decreased marrow production of platelet precursor, or sequestration of circulating platelets by the spleen.
It would be best to have a repeat blood examination in another facility and consult an internist-hematologist.
Good luck.

[Dennis MD]

Hi.
Do you have any symptoms?
There are so many causes of low platelet count.  It could be caused by increased destruction of circulating platelets, decreased marrow production of platelet precursor, or sequestration of circulating platelets by the spleen.
It would be best to have a repeat blood examination in another facility and consult an internist-hematologist.
Good luck.

[Dennis MD]

Hi.
Do you have any symptoms?
There are so many causes of low platelet count.  It could be caused by increased destruction of circulating platelets, decreased marrow production of platelet precursor, or sequestration of circulating platelets by the spleen.
It would be best to have a repeat blood examination in another facility and consult an internist-hematologist.
Good luck.