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.