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What Causes High ESR Levels ?
Question: My father is undergoing a chemo as he was diagnosed with stage 2 cororectal cancer, the surgery was successful and he is responding well to the chemotherapy. however, his ESR level is very high(102)... What should we do?
Brief Answer:
ESR level needs to be kept under watch
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Having worked in a cancer hospital for few years, I have seen many patients of colorectal cancer making good recovery on Folfox chemotherapy.
In cancer research, a high ESR has been found to correlate with overall poor prognosis for various types of cancer, including Hodgkin's disease, gastric carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, breast cancer, colorectal cancer and prostate cancer.
This does not happen in every colorectal cancer patient and I wish the ESR levels are repeated regularly and his clinical condition reviewed with imaging and clinical evaluation as necessary.
Hemoglobin level of 10.3 is acceptable but this also requires close scrutiny especially during the duration of chemotherapy.
I suggest you give him good family support and maintain a high level of cleanliness in the surroundings and provide a healthy and nutritious diet.
Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Wishing him a quick and complete recovery.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
ESR level needs to be kept under watch
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Having worked in a cancer hospital for few years, I have seen many patients of colorectal cancer making good recovery on Folfox chemotherapy.
In cancer research, a high ESR has been found to correlate with overall poor prognosis for various types of cancer, including Hodgkin's disease, gastric carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, breast cancer, colorectal cancer and prostate cancer.
This does not happen in every colorectal cancer patient and I wish the ESR levels are repeated regularly and his clinical condition reviewed with imaging and clinical evaluation as necessary.
Hemoglobin level of 10.3 is acceptable but this also requires close scrutiny especially during the duration of chemotherapy.
I suggest you give him good family support and maintain a high level of cleanliness in the surroundings and provide a healthy and nutritious diet.
Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Wishing him a quick and complete recovery.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks for the swift response doctor. I am interested in knowing what we as a family can do to control the high ESR level. A special diet or avoiding something in the diet? Also, what can ask the oncologist about the situation?
Brief Answer:
Please find details below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
The ESR is one of the parameters and not an important role player. I have read in detail about isolated high ESR in early stage kidney cancer not having any bad effect on the future progression on the disease. In this context since your father is having stage 2 cancer, we need not stress much on the raised ESR which might be of temporary nature. ESR needs to be repeated as discussed earlier.
The main objective right now should be on keeping him infection free as much possible. Even a common cold can become a problem and lead to complications.
Under diet changes please read through the link below to get the best information on diet instructions as shared on the Johns XXXXXXX Colon Cancer Center
http://www.hopkinscoloncancercenter.org/CMS/CMS_Page.aspx?CurrentUDV=59&CMS_Page_ID=8345F49E-9814-467C-B7F3-A68FC4c6FE96
Do let me know if you have a problem with the above link
You can ask the oncologist whether there can be any specific cause for raised ESR like any infection or inflammation during chemotherapy
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Please find details below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
The ESR is one of the parameters and not an important role player. I have read in detail about isolated high ESR in early stage kidney cancer not having any bad effect on the future progression on the disease. In this context since your father is having stage 2 cancer, we need not stress much on the raised ESR which might be of temporary nature. ESR needs to be repeated as discussed earlier.
The main objective right now should be on keeping him infection free as much possible. Even a common cold can become a problem and lead to complications.
Under diet changes please read through the link below to get the best information on diet instructions as shared on the Johns XXXXXXX Colon Cancer Center
http://www.hopkinscoloncancercenter.org/CMS/CMS_Page.aspx?CurrentUDV=59&CMS_Page_ID=8345F49E-9814-467C-B7F3-A68FC4c6FE96
Do let me know if you have a problem with the above link
You can ask the oncologist whether there can be any specific cause for raised ESR like any infection or inflammation during chemotherapy
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks doctor, lastly i would like to know what should we do to reduce or tackle the side effects of this high dose of chemo?
Brief Answer:
Please find details below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
After chemotherapy the immune system gets weak and steps are to be taken to reduce any side effect.
The areas which need attention are
1. Prevention of infection: by avoiding contact with people who might be having cold and minor illness. Report any fever, burning urination and sore throat.
2. Mouth care: Observe proper dental hygiene and remove ill fitting dentures.
3. Skin care: Avoid cuts and scratches on skin and do not let him walk barefoot outdoors.
4. Give medications on time.
5. Discus with his doctor should he have nausea, diarrhea or constipation. Taking good healthy diet is essential for recovery.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Please find details below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
After chemotherapy the immune system gets weak and steps are to be taken to reduce any side effect.
The areas which need attention are
1. Prevention of infection: by avoiding contact with people who might be having cold and minor illness. Report any fever, burning urination and sore throat.
2. Mouth care: Observe proper dental hygiene and remove ill fitting dentures.
3. Skin care: Avoid cuts and scratches on skin and do not let him walk barefoot outdoors.
4. Give medications on time.
5. Discus with his doctor should he have nausea, diarrhea or constipation. Taking good healthy diet is essential for recovery.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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