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Medical glossary

Leukopenia

Leukopenia is a low total number of white blood cells (leukocytes).

Last updated: ~1 min read
A gloved hand holding a tube of blood for testing
Figure 1.Leukopenia is found with a blood test

01Short answer

White blood cells include neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and others. Leukopenia often occurs with neutropenia, but they are not the same: the ANC shows infection risk more precisely. In leukaemia the white cell count can fall or rise sharply; the number itself is not a diagnosis. Call your team if you have a fever.

02Simple explanation

Too few white cells.

Not the same as neutropenia.

ANC is more precise.

Fever: call.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: leukopenia is a lower-than-normal number of white blood cells.

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

04What happens in the body?

The difference

Leukopenia covers all white cells; neutropenia only neutrophils.

Five kinds
Figure 2.Five kinds — Leukopenia

Causes

Leukaemia, treatment and infections.

Refilling
Figure 3.Refilling — Leukopenia

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
The differenceLeukopenia covers all white cells; neutropenia only neutrophils.
CausesLeukaemia, treatment and infections.
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

Leukocyte
A white blood cell.
Lymphocyte
A type of immune white cell.
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

My white cells are low: what should I do?

Follow your team's protective rules.

What does a high white count mean?

There can be several causes; your doctor will explain.

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. My white cells are low: what should I do?

  2. What does a high white count mean?

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

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: leukopenia
  2. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: white blood cell
  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: acute lymphoblastic leukemia
  7. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: acute promyelocytic leukemia
  8. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: chronic myelogenous leukemia
  9. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: chronic lymphocytic leukemia
  10. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: fusion gene
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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