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White Blood Cell Disorders

Overview

White blood cells (WBCs), or leukocytes, are essential defenders of your immune system. They fight infections, heal injuries, and maintain overall health. Disorders occur when WBC counts are too high (leukocytosis) or too low (leukopenia), or when the cells themselves become abnormal. These imbalances can signal infections, autoimmune conditions, or serious blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. Common symptoms include fatigue, frequent infections, fever, and unexplained weight changes.

Leukemia

What is it?
Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, marked by uncontrolled growth of abnormal white blood cells. These cells crowd out healthy blood cells, impairing immunity and oxygen delivery. Types include acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

Symptoms

  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Frequent infections
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Fever, night sweats, weight loss

Treatment

  • Chemotherapy (mainstay treatment)
  • Targeted therapy (e.g., tyrosine kinase inhibitors)
  • Radiation therapy
  • Stem cell or bone marrow transplant
  • Immunotherapy for advanced cases

Lymphoma

What is it?
Lymphoma is a cancer of lymphocytes (a type of WBC) in the lymphatic system. Two main types: Hodgkin lymphoma (characterized by Reed-Sternberg cells) and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (more common, with many subtypes).

Symptoms

  • Painless swelling of lymph nodes (neck, armpits, groin)
  • Persistent fatigue
  • Fever and drenching night sweats
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Shortness of breath

Treatment

  • Chemotherapy and radiation
  • Targeted therapy
  • Immunotherapy (CAR T-cell)
  • Stem cell transplant for aggressive cases

Neutropenia

What is it?
Neutropenia means abnormally low levels of neutrophils, a key WBC type that fights bacterial infections. It can be mild, moderate, or severe, and may result from chemotherapy, autoimmune disorders, infections, or genetic conditions.

Symptoms

  • Often no symptoms until infection occurs
  • Fever and chills
  • Mouth sores, sore throat
  • Skin infections or abscesses
  • Fatigue

Treatment

  • Growth factors (e.g., filgrastim) to boost WBC production
  • Antibiotics/antifungals for infections
  • Adjusting medications causing neutropenia
  • Nutritional support

Leukocytosis

What is it?
Leukocytosis is a high WBC count (usually >11,000/μL). It often signals infection, inflammation, stress, or certain cancers. Types include neutrophilia, lymphocytosis, monocytosis, eosinophilia, and basophilia.

Symptoms

  • Fever, chills, fatigue
  • Pain or swelling in affected areas
  • Sometimes no symptoms (found on routine blood tests).

Treatment

  • Treat underlying cause (infection, inflammation, cancer)
  • Medications (antibiotics, corticosteroids)
  • In severe cases (e.g., hyperleukocytosis in leukemia): hydration, leukapheresis, chemotherapy.