Questions: Multiple Choice Question A patient finally visits his doctor after experiencing several months of lethargy, low grade infections and bone pain. The doctor performs blood work and notes an abnormally high number of leukocytes. What is the most likely diagnosis? Thalassemia Acute leukemia Chronic leukemia Polycythemia

The answer is the third one (C): Chronic leukemia.

Explanation for each option:

1. Thalassemia: This is a genetic blood disorder characterized by less hemoglobin and fewer red blood cells in your body than normal. It does not typically present with an abnormally high number of leukocytes.
2. Acute leukemia: This is a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow characterized by an excess of immature white blood cells. While it can present with high leukocyte counts, the symptoms described (several months of lethargy, low-grade infections, and bone pain) are more consistent with a chronic condition.
3. Chronic leukemia: This is a type of cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue and leads to the overproduction of white blood cells. The symptoms described (lethargy, low-grade infections, and bone pain over several months) are consistent with chronic leukemia, which progresses more slowly than acute leukemia.
4. Polycythemia: This is a condition characterized by an increased number of red blood cells. It does not typically present with an abnormally high number of leukocytes.

Summary: The most likely diagnosis for a patient experiencing several months of lethargy, low-grade infections, and bone pain, with an abnormally high number of leukocytes, is chronic leukemia.