Leukemoid Reaction is a medical term used to describe a temporary increase in the number of white blood cells in the body. The correct spelling of this word is "loo-kee-moyd ree-ak-shun," pronounced as /ˈluːkiˌmɔɪd riˈækʃən/. It is derived from a combination of the word leukocyte (white blood cell) and the suffix "-oid" (meaning "like" or "resembling"). The term "leukemoid" is used to differentiate this phenomenon from leukemia - a type of cancer marked by an abnormal increase in white blood cells.
Leukemoid Reaction is a medical term used to describe a condition in which the number of white blood cells (leukocytes) in the blood increases significantly, resembling the characteristics of leukemia. However, unlike leukemia, leukemoid reaction is not a malignant or cancerous condition.
The increase in white blood cells seen in a leukemoid reaction is usually a response to a severe infection or other conditions that stimulate the immune system. It is often characterized by an extremely high leukocyte count, exceeding the normal range of 4,000 to 11,000 white blood cells per microliter.
The most common types of white blood cells to increase during a leukemoid reaction are the neutrophils. These are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in fighting off bacterial infections. In addition, other types of white blood cells such as lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils may also be elevated.
A leukemoid reaction is often accompanied by other symptoms related to the underlying cause, such as fever, fatigue, and enlarged lymph nodes. Laboratory tests are essential in diagnosing a leukemoid reaction, as they help differentiate it from leukemia or other hematological disorders.
Treatment of leukemoid reaction primarily focuses on managing the underlying cause, which may involve antibiotics for bacterial infections or addressing any other triggering factors. Once the underlying condition is effectively treated, the leukocyte count usually returns to its normal range.
The term leukemoid is derived from two Greek words: leukos meaning white and haima meaning blood, while reaction comes from the Latin word reactio meaning to return or respond. Therefore, the etymology of Leukemoid Reaction can be understood as a white blood cell response or an abnormal increase in white blood cells.