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February 10, 2012
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Complete Blood Count
(CBC)

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Complete Blood Count Overview

The complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered blood tests by doctors. To understand this test, it is important to know that the blood generally consists of two major parts; plasma and cellular elements. The plasma is the part of the blood that is liquid which allows the blood to flow easily. The other part of the blood consists of blood cells or cellular elements.

The major cells in the blood are white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), and platelets. Each of these types of cells carries out specific and important functions.

The complete blood count test measures the quantity of all the different types of cells in the blood. It also provides some valuable information on other parameters related to each type of blood cell.

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Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Cancer of the Esophagus Introduction

The esophagus is a muscular tube measuring 20-25 cm (8-10 in) long and 2-3 cm (0.75-1.25 in) wide that serves as a conduit for moving food and drink from the mouth to the stomach. Two major types of esophageal cancers exist, as follows:

  • Squamous cell carcinoma arises from the epithelial cells that line the esophagus.
  • Adenocarcinoma arises from the esophageal glands or within a segment of Barrett's esophagus.
  • Most tumors occur in the lower esophagus.

    • Forty percent occur in the lowest third.
    • Forty-five percent occur in the middle third.
    • Fifteen percent occur in the upper third.

Risk Factors

Both types of esophageal cancer more commonly affect men older than 60 years, but risk factors for adenocarcinoma are different from those of squamous cell c...

Read the Cancer of the Esophagus article »


Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Preoperative Testing »

Medical consultants are generally asked to assess preoperative risk in most patients who are to undergo surgery.

Read More on Medscape Reference »

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