Eosinophils, the strong defender against fungus, and allergens, are a type of white blood cell. These are larger and constitute only around 5% of the white blood cell population. It is part of the immune system that drives out pathogens and promotes overall health. However, sometimes elevated levels of eosinophils can be indicative of cancer.
As we all know the human body is a complex system. It relies on the concerted functioning of each organ. Any deviation can bring some bad consequences. The red blood cells serve as pillars and carry oxygen to every tissue. On the other hand, the white blood cells behave as an army dealing with the threats posed by bad organisms.
Eosinophils, a double-edged sword, require in-depth studies and this article is just an attempt to understand them. We will have an overview of eosinophils and learn about their levels that we should be worried about. Also, we will study what causes it to increase in numbers and how it could be diagnosed.
So without wasting any more time, let us explore it further.
What Are Eosinophils?
Eosinophils—as mentioned earlier, are a strong group of white blood cells that combat parasitic infections and participate in inflammatory responses thereby not taking any chances to protect the body. It belongs to the classification of granulocytes; neutrophils and basophils being the rest of them. Together all these white blood cells, strive to help the body discharge its function.
There is no doubt, that Easionophils are crucial in protecting the body from bacterial infections. However, its activities sometimes result in allergic reactions and add to inflammation. Eosinophilic esophagitis and asthma can be repercussions of its hyperactivity. It is good to monitor eosinophil levels which can help us diagnose problems and take action. In a majority of cases, they can be treated effectively.
What elevates eosinophils?
Now coming to the moot question of what elevates eosinophils, the factors contributing to it can be many. Hay fever, food allergies, and medications are all likely candidates. In this section, we will classify them for a better understanding. Take a look at the information.
- Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions, whether allergic rhinitis or food hypersensitivity, all become factors in elevating eosinophils.
- Parasitic Infections
Eosinophilia, caused by helminths, and other worms such as hookworms (Nematodes) and certain fungi, all contribute towards elevated eosinophils.
- Autoimmune Diseases
Eosinophilic granulomatosis, Systemic lupus erythematous, and Dermatomyositis are a few examples of autoimmune diseases that increase eosinophil production.
- Certain Medications
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) along with certain antibiotics and cancer treatment pills impact the number of eosinophils.
What level of eosinophils indicates cancer?
Although no specific levels can be attributed, a count exceeding 500 cells per microliter has to be investigated. The most common cancers related to the condition are colorectal, lung, and Hodgkin lymphoma. However, some non-cancerous conditions also lead to eosinophilia. This includes certain allergies and infections. Therefore, elevated eosinophils are not always a reliable indicator of cancer.
Diagnosis
Fortunately, modern medical science offers several methods for diagnosing elevated eosinophils. Check out the details.
Complete Blood Count (CBC): The levels of varied blood cell types including eosinophils can be measured using the CBC tests. It can detect whether there is an abnormal growth of eosinophils. Any reading beyond 500 or more cells per microliter of blood indicates eosinophilia.
Bone Marrow Biopsy: Bone Marrow Biopsy helps to identify any cancerous growth or other abnormalities causing eosinophilia.
Molecular Testing: Eosinophilic disorders can be detected by genetic testing methods that disclose genetic mutations.
Tests for Organ Function: The organ function tests include blood chemistry, cardiac troponin, pulmonary, and imaging tests.
Blood Smear: This test involves a blood sample spread onto a microscope slide and the blood cells being thoroughly evaluated as part of the diagnosis.
Conclusion
This article gave us an overview of eosinophils and the factors contributing to their influx in the body. We had an insight into the levels of eosinophils that indicate cancer and the diagnosis methods available.
Eosinophils act as a shield that protects our bodies from external threats such as parasites and bad microbes. The growing numbers of eosinophils are not always indicative of cancer and can also be triggered by certain allergies and infections. Advanced testing can help us diagnose whether it is due to cancer.
FAQs
There are no specific counts as such that could predict cancer. However, normal eosinophil count is less than 500 cells per microliter and anything beyond that should be investigated.
A count of more than 500 eosinophils per microliter of blood has to be taken seriously and advanced tests should be conducted for a possible diagnosis.
Eosinophils make up 0.0 to 6.0 percent of the blood in adults and a reading more than that is considered high.
High eosinophils can cause cancers such as Chronic eosinophilic leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloproliferative neoplasms, etc.
Stem cell transplant, Chemotherapy, and medications are available treatments for elevated eosinophils in cancer.
