Hello--Did you find information about "reactive lymphocytes"? Here is a Wikipedia link. originalText The lymphocytes become larger as a result of antigen stimulation. Note it also says could be caused by some drugs reactions. Often these "shifts" in cell morphology reflect something--but it is usually not a sign of anything serious. For example when we get viral infections more lymphocytes are produced and the differential will show fewer neutrophils. I am a retired clinical lab scientist/medical technologist. I never worked in hematology--but always found the identification of the blood and bone marrow cells fascinating! In school we could figure out the hematologic disease by studying the blood and bone marrow slides under the microscope. We used to call these cells "Downey cells"--after the man who discovered them. Note in article. You'd have to google normal lymphocytes to see the difference in morphology between the two. Ask your MD's--even tho they might not know the reason for their presence either. Might need a hematologist! Have they appeared on all your CBC results? Even before drugs, etc.? Best to you! Kay
I meant the CBC blood test--which is Complete Blood Count. The counts of the white cells will come under "differential" and will show the % and/or numbers of the various white cells. In this count they would mention if they saw any unusual cells--like the reactive lymphocytes. We usually have CBC's run many times in our lives--every time we go for a medical problem! Most likely your differentials never showed these before cancer. Best! Kay
Hello DD--I am so sorry--I forgot to say (very foggy brain today!) that maybe having "reactive lymphocytes" was something you might have under normal conditions--that is why I asked if you had them on previous results. AND I did not realize they are counting them in a separate test--in my experience they would have been seen in a CBC. So sorry. Like Maddy sez--it means "something is going on" that is calling the lymphocytes into action! Reviewing your CBC results, your lymphocytes are quite a big higher in the June 2022 results. As you say, could be from a sinus infection. We probably get the same reaction after an immunization, etc. Some meds might cause it. If the "rx lmc" test was ordered separately, then your MD is looking for something in particular, so you could ask. Best! Kay
I actually worked in Hematology labs my whole career, so I have observed many reactive and atypical lymphs in my life. Generally, we thought of them as being present when "something was going on" in the body, particularly viral.Lady Katarina gave excellent information. I would add a couple of websites for you, LabCE.com. and ScientificDirect.com. I Googled reactive lymphs vs. atypical lymphs and quite a bit of info came up.
Thanks Maddy for popping in here! I have not been in a clinical hematology lab for a very long time. Ended my career in research at small companies making immunodiagnostic products! I'll make a note of your website references too. Kay
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