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Lymphocytosis, an abnormally high number of lymphocytes in the blood, can be caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, or certain types of cancer. It is a symptom rather than a disease and requires further testing to determine the underlying cause. Treatment depends on the root cause.
Lymphocytes are special types of white blood cells that form an important part of the body’s immune system. The presence of an abnormally large number of lymphocytes in the blood is medically known as lymphocytosis. While this condition can exist without the presence of disease, it is most commonly caused by factors such as infections, autoimmune diseases, or certain types of cancer. There is no specific treatment for it, as it is more of a symptom than a real disease. Instead, the treating doctor will likely order further tests to find the root cause of the symptom so that the underlying disease can be adequately treated.
In most cases, lymphocytosis is diagnosed when a doctor does tests for a disease that already exists. This symptom is rarely found by accident. The combination of various test results along with the diagnosis is often enough to help the healthcare professional know what is causing the disease. It is possible for your lymphocyte count to be slightly elevated without any disease being present, although many medical professionals will choose to order further tests to make sure there are no underlying health problems.
The presence of an infection in the body is a common cause of this condition. Infections can be caused by fungi, viruses or bacteria. Prescription drugs are often used to treat the infection, although diagnostic tests may be needed to determine the source. This is an important step because treatment options for bacteria won’t be helpful if a virus is causing the disease, for example.
Autoimmune diseases are another potential cause of lymphocytosis. Medical conditions that compromise the immune system often cause inflammation throughout the body. This chronic inflammation can cause lymphocytes to rise as the body attempts to identify and fight foreign invaders. Unfortunately, when an autoimmune disease is present, this process malfunctions and the body ends up attacking healthy organs and tissue, leading to further problems.
Some forms of cancer can also lead to this condition. This symptom is more common in types of cancer that affect the blood and bone marrow. Cancer treatment may or may not help resolve the elevation. Any questions or concerns about blood test results related to an increase in white blood cells should be discussed with a doctor or other medical professional.
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