Does High MCV Mean Cancer?
MCV stands for Mean Corpuscular Volume, which is a measure of the average size of the red blood cells in our body. A high MCV count is an indication that the red blood cells are larger than normal. This can be due to various reasons, such as vitamin deficiencies, liver disease, alcoholism, and more. One of the concerns that many people have is whether a high MCV count means cancer. In this blog post, we will discuss this topic in detail.
What is MCV and What Does it Mean?
Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) is a measure of the average size of the red blood cells in our body. It is an important component of the Complete Blood Count (CBC) test, which is a routine blood test that measures various components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
How is MCV Measured?
MCV is measured in femtoliters (fL), which is one quadrillionth of a liter. The MCV value is calculated by dividing the total volume of red blood cells in the blood by the total number of red blood cells. The normal range for MCV is between 80 and 100 fL.
What Does a High MCV Indicate?
A high MCV count indicates that the red blood cells are larger than normal. This can be due to various reasons, such as vitamin deficiencies, liver disease, alcoholism, and more. One of the concerns that many people have is whether a high MCV count means cancer.
Where To Order A MCV Test?
To test your MCV you can order a CBC test with Personalabs today and get tested at a lab near you.
High MCV and Cancer
A high MCV count is not always an indication of cancer. It can be caused by various other factors, as mentioned earlier. However, in some cases, a high MCV count can be a sign of certain types of cancer, such as leukemia and lymphoma. These cancers affect the bone marrow, which is responsible for producing red blood cells. When the bone marrow is affected, it produces abnormal red blood cells that are larger than normal, leading to a high MCV count.
Diagnosing High MCV and Cancer
If you have a high MCV count, it does not necessarily mean that you have cancer. Your doctor will conduct further tests to determine the underlying cause of the high MCV count. These tests may include a complete blood count (CBC), liver function tests, and vitamin B12 and folate levels. If your doctor suspects cancer, they may also order a bone marrow biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a high MCV count does not always mean cancer. It can be caused by various other factors, such as vitamin deficiencies and liver disease. However, in some cases, it can be a sign of certain types of cancer, such as leukemia and lymphoma. If you have a high MCV count, it is important to consult your doctor, who will conduct further tests to determine the underlying cause. Early diagnosis and treatment can help improve your prognosis and outcome.
