Definition: Pancytopenia is an abnormally low level of all blood cells produced by the bone marrow. This includes a low level of red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets.
With cancer, pancytopenia usually occurs due to from chemotherapy.
A low level of red blood cells (RBCs) is called anemia; a decreased number of white blood cell cells (WBCs) is called leukopenia; and an inadequate number of platelets is called thrombocytopenia.
Further Reading:
Examples:
Dan developed pancytopenia -- a low level of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets -- after his last chemotherapy treatment.
