An analysis of blood samples can tell a lot about the person and come in handy in assessing health and finding potential illnesses and among them is the CBC test, which is usually prescribed by doctors. It analyses and evaluates various blood components such as the red and white blood cells, as well as the hemoglobin and platelets to gain insight of the physiology of the subject.
Though a CBC test alone can not confirm that a person has cancer, but certain anomalies in the abstract, abnormal results can lead to justifiable suspicion and warrant further analysis.
In this blog explains what the CBC blood test indicates about cancer, its role in diagnosis, other blood tests that may be used, and why timely consultation with an expert is essential.
What is a CBC Blood Test?
A Complete Blood Count (CBC) test fulfills a basic yet essential function. It embraces diverse elements of blood and, consequently, it provides crucial insight into one’s health status.
The test evaluates:
Red blood cells function as carriers of oxygen.
White blood cells function as the body's defenders against diseases.
The critical elements of blood- Hemoglobin and Hematocrit - reflect oxygen-carrying capacity.
The Platelets aid in the clotting process.
The positive or negative derangement of the above cells can point to conditions such as infections, anemia, disorders of bleeding, or in some situations, possible malignancies.
What Does the CBC Blood Test Indicate About Cancer?
Patients frequently question: “What is the significance of the CBC blood test with regard to cancer?”
The fact of the matter is, a CBC is not sufficient for confirming the presence of cancer. However, it does show certain patterns that could indicate other issues and warrant further tests.
Some of the worrying indicators in a CBC are:
Extreme leukocytosis and leukopenia – Extremely high or low numbers of white blood cells, which may suggest blood cancers, including leukemia.
Anemia – the unexplained presence of low red blood cells, which sometimes is associated with malignancies of the bone marrow or gastrointestinal tract.
Altered counts of platelets – too high or too low, which may indicate certain malignancies of the blood or disorders of the bone marrow.
Which Types of Cancer Can a CBC Suggest?
A CBC test also demonstrates utility in determining or raising suspicion for the presence of blood cancers.
Leukemia: One of the most common cancers, and easy to notice thanks to the CBC test. The CBC results show an abundance of white blood cells, or an alarming scarcity, and the physician takes action.
Lymphoma: CBC results do not show bone but the blood results may show suspicion of the bone.
Bone marrow cancers: Such as multiple myeloma, are heavily laden with the uncontrolled production of blood cells.
Solid tumors: Cancers other than blood limit CBC, such as the stomach or colon. These bring other complications, such as anemia.
CBC vs. Other Blood Tests for Cancer
A CBC is only one part of the picture. Doctors may order additional blood tests for cancer to get a clearer understanding.
Other commonly used tests include:
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Tumor markers such as CA-125 (ovarian cancer), PSA (prostate cancer) or CEA (colorectal cancer).
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Liver and kidney function tests to check if cancer has affected these organs.
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Molecular tests that look for genetic mutations associated with certain cancers.
When Should You Consult a Doctor?
An unusual CBC test does not always indicate there is cancer. There are other infections, vitamin shortages, ongoing diseases or even stress that can change blood counts.
However, you should see a physician If:
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You have abnormal CBC findings that continue even after common causes have been ruled out and treated.
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It's been a month and you have recurring fevers, unexplained weight loss, generous amounts of pain or heavy periods.
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You have a family history of cancer or risk factors.
Why Choose Dr. Pooja Babbar for Cancer Care in Gurgaon
The results of a blood test can raise skepticism, which makes seeing an oncologist a priority. Dr. Pooja Babbar, a leading Cancer Specialist in Gurgaon, deals with blood tests with a high level of proficiency in both diagnosis and treatment of cancers.
Differentiating whether blood tests with lowered counts and other abnormalities constitute a particular type of cancer or something else.
Stem cell transplants, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other advanced therapies.
Advocacy, matched with appropriate treatment and active listening, is key in forming a suitable action treatment.
Dr. Pooja Babbar was awarded as the best medical oncologist in Gurgaon with 15+ years of experience and one of the most sought after because of her kind and unbiased actions.
Conclusion
The CBC test is an invaluable screening tool that gives data about a person’s health status and points out any areas that possibly need additional medical care. The absence of a cancer diagnosis may be confirmed at this point, however, blood tests that highlight anemia, as well as abnormal levels of white blood cells, unresolved anemia and septated levels of platelets to mention a few can at least raise some concerns.
Such results help physicians narrow down their focus to tumor markers, imaging, and other biopsies, as well as more advanced methods of diagnosis.
For opinions and higher levels of treatment, Dr. Pooja Babbar may be reached. She is one of the top cancer specialists in Gurgaon and is known to provide highly advanced cancer care with deep empathy.
