A diagnosis of leukemia is most likely in a patient with which symptoms?

A diagnosis of leukemia is most likely in a patient with which symptoms?

• A. Elevated WBC and sore lymph nodes
• B. Red, painful tongue
• C. Inability to absorb B12
• D. Short-lived RBCs

Answer: (A)

The diagnosis of leukemia is closely associated with an elevated white blood cell (WBC) count, which is often a hallmark of this type of cancer. In leukemia, the body produces an excess of abnormal white blood cells that can crowd out healthy cells, leading to various symptoms. Sore lymph nodes can also occur due to lymphatic system involvement, as leukemia can affect the lymph nodes, causing them to swell and become tender. In contrast, while a red, painful tongue may suggest other hematological issues or nutritional deficiencies, it is not a specific indicator of leukemia. An inability to absorb vitamin B12 is more relevant to conditions like pernicious anemia or gastrointestinal disorders and does not link directly to leukemia. Short-lived red blood cells typically pertain to conditions such as hemolytic anemia rather than leukemia itself, where the problem is more about the proliferation of abnormal white blood cells than the lifespan of red blood cells. Thus, the combination of elevated WBC and sore lymph nodes aligns closely with the key signs commonly observed in patients with leukemia, making this the most appropriate choice.

The diagnosis of leukemia is closely associated with an elevated white blood cell (WBC) count, which is often a hallmark of this type of cancer. In leukemia, the body produces an excess of abnormal white blood cells that can crowd out healthy cells, leading to various symptoms. Sore lymph nodes can also occur due to lymphatic system involvement, as leukemia can affect the lymph nodes, causing them to swell and become tender.

In contrast, while a red, painful tongue may suggest other hematological issues or nutritional deficiencies, it is not a specific indicator of leukemia. An inability to absorb vitamin B12 is more relevant to conditions like pernicious anemia or gastrointestinal disorders and does not link directly to leukemia. Short-lived red blood cells typically pertain to conditions such as hemolytic anemia rather than leukemia itself, where the problem is more about the proliferation of abnormal white blood cells than the lifespan of red blood cells.

Thus, the combination of elevated WBC and sore lymph nodes aligns closely with the key signs commonly observed in patients with leukemia, making this the most appropriate choice.