White blood cells, also called leukocytes, are the portion of the blood responsible for fighting infections. There are five types of white blood cells--neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes and monocytes--and each plays an important role in protecting the body from bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections. Each white blood cell lives for only a few hours to a few days, according to the Merck Manual, therefore new cells are continually produced by stem cells in the bone marrow. There are several diseases that originate in the white blood cells that may become serious due to the effect they have on the overall immune system.
Neutropenia
Neutrophils, which make up 45 percent to 75 percent of all white blood cells, according to the Merck Manual, defend the body against bacterial and some fungal infections. Neutropenia is a condition involving an abnormally low count of neutrophils, which can leave the body defenseless against infections. Neutropenia occurs when the neutrophils are destroyed faster than they can be replaced by the bone marrow.
There are many things that can destroy neutrophils quickly including certain bacterial infections, certain medications, some allergic disorders and an enlarged spleen. Other factors may contribute to neutropenia by interfering with the ability of the bone marrow to produce new cells. Cancer, infection with influenza or tuberculosis, vitamin deficiencies, radiation treatments and some medications can impair the bone marrow's ability to produce new neutrophils.
There are no specific symptoms of neutropenia but the presence of frequent or unusual infections can help diagnose this underlying condition. Treatment is based on the contributing factors and focuses on preventing further potentially life-threatening infections.
Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia
Lymphocytes, one type of white blood cell, include T cells, which help the body control immune responses, and B cells, which produce antibodies. When the T cells grow abnormally the resulting disease is large granular lymphocytic leukemia. This disease may cause anemia (low red blood cell count), thrombycytopenia (low platelet count) and neutropenia. Treatment may consist of chemotherapy, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor medication and surgical removal of the spleen.
Hairy Cell Leukemia
Hairy cell leukemia is the abnormal growth of B cells, a type of lymphocyte. Symptoms of this form of cancer include an enlarged spleen, infections, fatigue, weakness and abdominal discomfort. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center reports that there are effective treatments for this disease including 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine (2-CDA), deoxycoformicin (DCF), interferon, and surgery to remove the spleen.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is a type of cancer caused by the abnormal growth of lymphocytes, both T cells and B cells. The American Cancer Society reports that 85 percent of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas are B-cell lymphoma. Symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma include swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, fever, night sweats, coughing, weakness and abdominal pain. Treatment depends upon the specific type and location of the lymphoma, however, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, surgery or some combination may be utilized.
