Does anyone know what "normochromic normocytic anemia with left shift to blast cell and neutropenia" mean? My dad had a blood test a few days ago and this is what was at the bottom of results.
It also mentioned slightly increase polychromasia.
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Re: Normochromic normocytic anemia?
Hello, Pootren. I just saw your clinical question, which I hope I can answer for you.
Normochromic and normocytic anemia means a deficiency of red blood cells (RBC's) and hemoglobin (Hgb), which still retains the red color and normal volume of normal RBC's. This is different than the most common cause of anemia, which is iron deficiency (hypochromic and microcytic). This term represents a type of "anemia of chronic disease".
The "left shift to blast cells and neutropenia" refers to more immature (or cancerous) white blood cells, with a deficiency of neutrophils, often found in various cancers, including myeloma. Polychromasia just means RBC's of different colors (variability). So the actual values are more important than the description you mention.
Hope that is useful for you and your dad. Jan
Normochromic and normocytic anemia means a deficiency of red blood cells (RBC's) and hemoglobin (Hgb), which still retains the red color and normal volume of normal RBC's. This is different than the most common cause of anemia, which is iron deficiency (hypochromic and microcytic). This term represents a type of "anemia of chronic disease".
The "left shift to blast cells and neutropenia" refers to more immature (or cancerous) white blood cells, with a deficiency of neutrophils, often found in various cancers, including myeloma. Polychromasia just means RBC's of different colors (variability). So the actual values are more important than the description you mention.
Hope that is useful for you and your dad. Jan
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Jan Stafl - Name: Jan Stafl MD
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: July 2011
- Age at diagnosis: 54
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