Hi,
My G.P did some blood tests on me for other conditions. One of the things that came back was my platelets are 633 which my GP says is a bit high. What's worrying me though is I have a pain in the back of my left shoulder which is like what my Mum had when they diagnosed her with Lung Cancer. Do you think I should be concerned ?
Thank You
Hi Bestmate,
My name is Gemma and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists here at the Macmillan support line. Thank you for getting in touch with us, at what we can appreciate is a worrying time for you.
A high platelet count can be due to many things other than cancer too. Including recent infections, family history, or even excessive exercise; these are just a few of them.
It is completely understandable that you would be worried about having a similar symptom to your mum, when she was diagnosed with lung cancer. In truth the pain in your shoulder could also be as a result of many things.
Did you mention this pain to your GP too? We always recommend letting them know about any new or worsening symptom you have noticed so they can fully assessment it?
We are unsure what your GP has planned to do as a result of your blood tests. He/She should take various factors into account when considering whether to refer you to a specialist straight away, or whether to re-check your bloods after a period of time. There are national guidelines to help GP’s assess people with raised platelet counts. You can look at the assessment criteria here.
If you would like to talk things through in more detail with one of us information nurses, you may like to give us a call in on freephone 0808 808 000. We are here 7 days a week 8am – 8pm.
Ref DT
