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Medical glossary

Neutropenia

Neutropenia means too few neutrophils in the blood. During this time the body is poorly protected against infection.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A gloved hand holding a digital thermometer
Figure 1.In neutropenia, a fever is an important warning sign

01Short answer

Neutropenia can be caused by the leukaemia itself or by chemotherapy. The most important rule: if you have a fever (above the threshold your doctor gave you) or shivering, call your team straight away, because febrile neutropenia needs urgent treatment. Hand washing, avoiding people who are ill and food hygiene lower the risk. Sometimes a special medicine is given to help neutrophils recover.

02Simple explanation

Too few neutrophils.

Infection risk.

Fever is urgent.

Hygiene.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: neutropenia is a lower-than-normal number of neutrophils in the blood.

The NCI Dictionary explains cancer terms in plain language; check the exact meaning for your situation with your doctor.

04What happens in the body?

Febrile neutropenia

Neutropenia with fever: an emergency.

A thermometer
Figure 2.A thermometer — Neutropenia

Every day

Hand hygiene and a thermometer at home.

A clean room
Figure 3.A clean room — Neutropenia

Where you will see this word

In test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.

Ask your doctor

The general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

05From an unfamiliar word to a clear answer: four steps

Write it down, look it up, prepare a question, ask.

Write it down — From a result or a conversation.1Write it downFrom a result or a conversation.
Look it up — Learn the plain meaning.2Look it upLearn the plain meaning.
Prepare a question — What does this mean for me?3Prepare a questionWhat does this mean for me?
Ask — Your doctor gives the personal explanation.4AskYour doctor gives the personal explanation.
UnderstandingResults feel less frightening.
ConversationA shared language with your doctor.
SafetyNot drawing conclusions alone.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Febrile neutropeniaNeutropenia with fever: an emergency.
Every dayHand hygiene and a thermometer at home.
Where you will see this wordIn test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.
Ask your doctorThe general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

07Key terms

Febrile neutropenia
Neutropenia plus fever.
Prevention
Protective measures.
Term
A word with a precise medical meaning.
Reference range
The range a laboratory considers normal.

08Key points

  • Learn.
  • Ask your doctor.
  • Write it down.
  • Write the word down.
  • Ask what it means.

09Frequently asked questions

Should I take a fever reducer?

Call your team first; medicine can hide a fever.

Can I have visitors?

Healthy ones, following your team's rules.

This word is in my results: should I worry?

The word itself does not mean a serious or mild condition; get the explanation from your doctor.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Should I take a fever reducer?

  2. Can I have visitors?

  3. This word is in my results: should I worry?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: neutropenia
  2. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: febrile neutropenia
  3. MedlinePlus. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
  4. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
  5. National Cancer Institute. Leukemia
  6. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: thrombocytopenia
  7. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: hemoglobin
  8. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: sepsis
  9. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: infection
  10. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: acute myeloid leukemia
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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