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What Does An Eosinophil Count Of 11 Signify?
Question: Hi, I recently had an executive health check up, and my blood reports were normal except for eosinophil count of 11, and ESR of 20. Also, earlier Hb levels (till the last one taken in April 2012) were in the range of 16.3-16.6, but the current reading is 15.1
What bothers me is this. I had been chewing tobacco for the last 6-7 years and stopped it only four months back. I read somewhere that elevated eosinophils can indicate oral cancer. Is this true? Do I need to get myself checked? My dental check up done a month ago showed mild leukoplakia but the dentist wasn't too worried, saying that it will go away now that I have stopped the tobacco habit. I have no other symptoms such as ulcers in the mouth etc.
What bothers me is this. I had been chewing tobacco for the last 6-7 years and stopped it only four months back. I read somewhere that elevated eosinophils can indicate oral cancer. Is this true? Do I need to get myself checked? My dental check up done a month ago showed mild leukoplakia but the dentist wasn't too worried, saying that it will go away now that I have stopped the tobacco habit. I have no other symptoms such as ulcers in the mouth etc.
Brief Answer:
Yes, eosinophilia and leukoplakia are associated
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
I am Dr Jyothi BL, Pathologist, and will be answering your query.
Based on your query and findings, my opinion is as follows
1. Eosinophil count is quite high in your case. Yes, there is an association between eosinophilia and oral cancer/ precancerous lesions.
2. Leukoplakia is a precancerous lesion of oral cavity, which can progress to oral cancer with time depending on host's immune response and tobacco chewing.
3. There is an association between tobacco chewing and leukoplakia. Tobacco chewing increases the risk of progression of leukoplakia to XXXXXXX cancer.Since you have quit tobacco chewing, the risk of progression is less.
4. Eosinophilia can either cause a progression or regression of the lesion. There are conflicting studies on role of eosinophilia on leukoplakia.
5. You can get a biopsy of the lesion and discuss with your consulting doctor regarding quantitative assessment of eosinophils in the tissue biopsy.
6. Also other causes of eosinophilia like allergies/ parasitic infestations/ asthma need to be ruled out before bringing about an association of eosinophilia with leukoplakia.Also get a absolute eosinophil count checked.
7. ESR is elevated, which means there is inflammation of oral tissue.
Hope this helps.
Any further questions, glad to help again.
Wish you good health
Dr Jyothi BL
Yes, eosinophilia and leukoplakia are associated
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
I am Dr Jyothi BL, Pathologist, and will be answering your query.
Based on your query and findings, my opinion is as follows
1. Eosinophil count is quite high in your case. Yes, there is an association between eosinophilia and oral cancer/ precancerous lesions.
2. Leukoplakia is a precancerous lesion of oral cavity, which can progress to oral cancer with time depending on host's immune response and tobacco chewing.
3. There is an association between tobacco chewing and leukoplakia. Tobacco chewing increases the risk of progression of leukoplakia to XXXXXXX cancer.Since you have quit tobacco chewing, the risk of progression is less.
4. Eosinophilia can either cause a progression or regression of the lesion. There are conflicting studies on role of eosinophilia on leukoplakia.
5. You can get a biopsy of the lesion and discuss with your consulting doctor regarding quantitative assessment of eosinophils in the tissue biopsy.
6. Also other causes of eosinophilia like allergies/ parasitic infestations/ asthma need to be ruled out before bringing about an association of eosinophilia with leukoplakia.Also get a absolute eosinophil count checked.
7. ESR is elevated, which means there is inflammation of oral tissue.
Hope this helps.
Any further questions, glad to help again.
Wish you good health
Dr Jyothi BL
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Thank you doctor. I will follow your advice. Before I close this, can you also let me know if the drop in the Hb levels (from 16-plus to 15.1) could also be associated with this? Regards, XXXX
Brief Answer:
Hemoglobin level is normal
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Your Hemoglobin levels are well within normal range.
If it drops to 13 or less than 13, you will have to get evaluated for anemia. As of now it is not related to prevailing conditions.
Hope this helps.
Any further questions glad to help again.
Regards
Dr Jyothi BL
Hemoglobin level is normal
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Your Hemoglobin levels are well within normal range.
If it drops to 13 or less than 13, you will have to get evaluated for anemia. As of now it is not related to prevailing conditions.
Hope this helps.
Any further questions glad to help again.
Regards
Dr Jyothi BL
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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