recent article

[Carthe]

I have just read and article that stats the following - I just wanted to gaGe thoughts / feedback on this …as always thank you in advance

Given the current accepted upper range of ‘normal’ platelet count of 400 × 109/l for adults in the UK, and in the absence of any national initiative to change that, the key clinical implication from this study is that a platelet count of >325 × 109/l in males, and any unexplained increase to >400 × 109/l in females, should prompt clinicians to consider possible cancer. The higher risk ratios associated with lung and colorectal cancer mean that faecal immunochemical testing and chest X-ray are reasonable first investigations in the absence of any other symptoms that may suggest a specific cancer or alternative diagnosis.

bjgp.org/content/70/698/e622

[Mirror368]

I live in the United States. My goal for platelets is 450 or less.

Eileen

[hunter5582]

I think we can follow the rationale for this recommendation. There are a wide number of conditions that can cause an elevation in platelet levels. Some are transient. Some are relatively benign. Some people just tend to range higher. Some types of cancers may cause an elevation in platelet levels that is less than 450. My main concern would be exposing people to needless assessments, testing, and stress if the revised platelet numbers were used in isolation of other cancer indicators.