What CBC parameters would be abnormal in a patient who has cancer?

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a type of blood test that measures the different components of the blood, including the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It also measures the amount of hemoglobin in the blood and the hematocrit, which is the percentage of red blood cells in the blood.

In patients with cancer, the CBC may show abnormalities in one or more of the following parameters:

1. Red blood cell count: Cancer can cause anemia, which is a decrease in the number of red blood cells. This can be due to several factors, including blood loss, bone marrow suppression from chemotherapy, or other factors related to the cancer.

2. White blood cell count: Cancer can cause an increase in the number of white blood cells, especially if the cancer is affecting the bone marrow or the immune system. However, in some cases, cancer can also cause a decrease in the number of white blood cells.

3. Platelet count: Cancer can cause thrombocytopenia, which is a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood. This can increase the risk of bleeding.

4. Hemoglobin: Cancer can cause anemia, which can lead to low levels of hemoglobin in the blood.

5. Hematocrit: Cancer can cause anemia, which can lead to low hematocrit levels in the blood.

It's important to note that the CBC findings can vary depending on the type of cancer and the stage of the disease. Therefore, it's essential for a healthcare professional to interpret the CBC results in the context of the patient's overall clinical history and other laboratory findings.