Pronunciation:
new troh PEE nee ah • (noun)
Also Known As:
low white cell count, low neutrophil count
Common Misspellings:
newtropenia
Related Resources:
The Danger Signs of Neutropenia
Definition:
A low number of neutrophils (type of white blood cell) in the blood. This can
happen after a chemotherapy treatment, when the cells in the bone marrow can be
damaged by the drug(s). Since these cells are very important in protecting the
body from infection, a person receiving chemotherapy must be alert to the possible
signs of low white count, as well as taking protective measures against infection.
The degree of neutropenia is reflect in the absolute neutrophil count (ANC). For
more information as to the specifics of that count, see that glossary definition.
Related Terms
• ANC
• chemotherapy
Protecting Yourself During Chemotherapy
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Copyright © 2001 by Laura Dolson. All rights reserved. Please submit reprint requests to gyncancer@baymoon.com
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