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Have High WBC Count With Swelling Of The Throat. Can It Be Thyroid Cancer?
Question: What would be conditions of thyroid cancer? If the white blood cell count is up along with swelling on the left side of the throat, and an ultrasound on the thyroid is scheduled to be done, are these possible signs of thyroid cancer?
Hi and welcome to XXXXXXX Thank you for the query.
The cancer is the last thing to think of in your case,but of course it must be ruled out. Thyroid cancer isnt common in your age(but is possible).
Usually symptoms are: palpable nodule in necka area, voice changes or signs of hyper/hypothiroidism.
Elevated WBC indicates any inflammatory process in our body. Since this is associated with swelling in neck, then the most common cause of it is respiratory or throat infection with enlarged lymph nodes. This is usually seen in mononucleosis,streptococal infections and some other viral and bacterial infections. Also, if there is no infection, then there are many benign thyroid disorders which goes with neck swelling.
Beside thyroid cancer, there is a possilbity of other malignant blood diseases(lyphomas) if this swelling is lymph node. But, you just need to be patient and do ultrasound, thyroid hormonal levels and needle biopsy if necessary. This will clear this out and then it can be treated on right way.
Wish you good health. If you have any questions I ll be glad to help.
The cancer is the last thing to think of in your case,but of course it must be ruled out. Thyroid cancer isnt common in your age(but is possible).
Usually symptoms are: palpable nodule in necka area, voice changes or signs of hyper/hypothiroidism.
Elevated WBC indicates any inflammatory process in our body. Since this is associated with swelling in neck, then the most common cause of it is respiratory or throat infection with enlarged lymph nodes. This is usually seen in mononucleosis,streptococal infections and some other viral and bacterial infections. Also, if there is no infection, then there are many benign thyroid disorders which goes with neck swelling.
Beside thyroid cancer, there is a possilbity of other malignant blood diseases(lyphomas) if this swelling is lymph node. But, you just need to be patient and do ultrasound, thyroid hormonal levels and needle biopsy if necessary. This will clear this out and then it can be treated on right way.
Wish you good health. If you have any questions I ll be glad to help.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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