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it's suspected that you have cancer your doctor may order a very common lab test, CBC Based on the following results, decide which of the following characteristics may be alarming to you and your physician. Check All That Apply The number of platelets is below normal, and the body is at great risk of serious bleeding and bruising The number of white blood cells and antibodies produced by the immune system has not changed The red blood ceis numbers are low, affecting the body's abilty to make red blood cells and circulate onypen mere sa reduced number of white blood cestorming, making it harder for the body to light of pathogens

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Final answer:

Alarming CBC results include low platelet count, low red blood cell count, and reduced white blood cell count, which may point towards blood disorders like leukemia and lymphoma.

Step-by-step explanation:

When analyzing a CBC (Complete Blood Count), certain results can be indicative of blood disorders like cancer. The following characteristics are alarming and might be concerning to both you and your physician:

  • The number of platelets is below normal, which places the body at great risk of serious bleeding and bruising.
  • The red blood cells (RBC) count is low, affecting the body's ability to transport oxygen efficiently, which can result in fatigue among other symptoms. This condition is known as anemia.
  • A reduced number of white blood cells can make it harder for the body to fight off pathogens, increasing the risk of infections.

In the context of blood cancer, anomalies in these components can point towards conditions such as leukemia or lymphoma. Leukaemia often results in abnormal production of white blood cells, while lymphoma affects lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.

User Sandra
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Final answer:

Alarming characteristics in CBC results when suspecting cancer include a low platelet count, low red blood cell count, and abnormal white blood cell count, which can indicate the presence of blood cancer affecting the bone marrow and production of these cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

If your doctor suspects cancer, one common lab test they may order is a Complete Blood Count (CBC). Some characteristics in the CBC results that might be alarming both to you and your physician are:


  • The number of platelets is below normal, which implies the body is at great risk of serious bleeding and bruising.
  • The number of red blood cells is low, which affects the body's ability to transport oxygen and may lead to a condition called anemia.
  • A reduced number of white blood cells, particularly if there's an abnormal decrease, making it harder for the body to fight off pathogens.

In the context of blood cancer, such as leukemia or lymphoma, these findings might suggest that the production of normal blood cells is being impeded by the presence of cancerous cells.

User Rudi Visser
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