Differential Diagnosis for Increased Lymphocytes
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral infections (e.g., mononucleosis, influenza): A common cause of increased lymphocytes, especially in the context of recent illness or exposure to infectious agents.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Chronic demyelinating polyneuropathy: An autoimmune disorder that can cause an increase in lymphocytes.
- Chronic infections (e.g., tuberculosis, HIV): Long-standing infections can lead to a sustained increase in lymphocytes.
- Autoimmune disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus): Conditions characterized by an abnormal immune response, which can result in increased lymphocytes.
- Lymphocytosis associated with stress or exercise: Transient increases in lymphocytes can occur in response to physical or emotional stress.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Lymphoma (e.g., Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma): A type of cancer that affects the immune system and can present with increased lymphocytes.
- Leukemia (e.g., chronic lymphocytic leukemia): A cancer of the blood and bone marrow that can cause an increase in lymphocytes.
- Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID): A rare, life-threatening condition characterized by a defective immune system.
Rare Diagnoses
- Castleman disease: A rare disorder characterized by an overgrowth of cells in the lymph nodes, which can cause increased lymphocytes.
- Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma: A rare and aggressive type of lymphoma that can present with increased lymphocytes.
- Pseudolymphoma: A rare condition characterized by an abnormal immune response, which can mimic lymphoma and cause increased lymphocytes.