A high lymphocyte count, also known as lymphocytosis, usually indicates that your body is fighting an infection or dealing with another inflammatory condition. While a temporary spike in lymphocytes is often harmless and related to a viral infection, a consistently high count might be caused by something more serious, such as:
- Infection: Bacterial, viral, or other types of infections can cause an increase in lymphocytes.
- Cancer: Certain types of blood or lymphatic system cancers, like leukemia or lymphoma, can lead to a high lymphocyte count.
- Autoimmune diseases: Autoimmune diseases, which cause the body to attack its own tissues, can also lead to an elevated lymphocyte count. These conditions cause chronic inflammation.
It's important to note that high lymphocytes do not always signify a serious issue. More tests are often needed to determine the cause and guide treatment.
