WBC, or white blood cells, are made in the bone marrow and work to protect the body against infection. High white blood cell levels, also known as leukocytosis, can result from bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Sometimes, certain cancers can lead to elevated WBC levels. The causes of an increase in white blood cells can be treated.
Leukemia
High white blood cell levels characterize leukemia. The Mayo Clinic says that leukemia refers to a cancer of the bone marrow (where blood cells are produced) and lymphatic system (where white blood cells are transported).
The cause of leukemia is not clear, but genes and the environment play a role. Treatment for leukemia is extensive. Chemotherapy medications can be taken to destroy the cancer cells. Biological therapy involves inducing the immune system to fight the cancer. Kinase inhibitors such as imatinib mesylate (brand name Gleevec) can be used to manage leukemia. Other leukemia treatments include radiation therapy, a bone marrow transplant and a stem cell transplant.
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) refers to another cancer of the lymphatic system that can lead to WBC increases. The exact cause of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is unclear, but it affects either the B or T cells. B cells make the antibodies (proteins) that are needed to fight infection in the body and T cells kill the foreign invader directly, the Mayo Clinic reports.
Sometimes, no treatment is necessary for NHL especially if the lymphoma is slowly progressing. Otherwise, chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplants and medications may be used to manage non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Pancreatic Abscess
A pancreatic abscess refers to a pus-filled cavity within the pancreas, according to MedlinePlus. White blood cells are increased as a result of the pus formation, a type of bacterial infection. The white blood cells serve to destroy the bacteria.
Pancreatic abscesses occur as a result of an infected pancreatic pseudocyst, a collection of blood, pancreatic enzymes and fluid in the stomach, says MedlinePlus. Treatment for a pancreatic abscess involves surgically draining the pus. Sometimes, the pus can be drained through the skin.
