Lymphocytosis (high lymphocyte count)

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Causes

By Mayo Clinic staff

You may have a lymphocyte count that exceeds the typical threshold but have no disease present. Your doctor makes a judgment about whether the count is "too high" based on other factors, such as symptoms you may be experiencing and the results of other tests.

If your doctor determines your lymphocyte count is high, the test result may be evidence of one of the following conditions:

  • Infection (bacterial, viral, other)
  • Cancer of the blood or lymphatic system
  • An autoimmune disorder causing ongoing (chronic) inflammation

Specific causes of lymphocytosis include:

Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.

References
  1. Laboratory reference values. Hematology group (Lymphocyte). Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; Nov. 2010.
  2. Hematology. In: Wallach J. Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Wolters Kluwer Health Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2007. http://gateway.ovid.com/ovidweb.cgi?T=JS&MODE=ovid&PAGE=main&D=baov&PCOSTART=wallach. Accessed Nov. 29, 2010.
  3. Wilkinson JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 6, 2010.
MY00360 Dec. 30, 2010

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