DANC / BEN (benign ethnic neutropenia): Test Your Understanding
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What does DANC or benign ethnic neutropenia (BEN) mean?
a
A type of blood cancer
b
A problem with the immune system
c
A naturally lower neutrophil count that is not dangerous
BEN means a person has a lower neutrophil count that is normal for them and does not increase infection risk. It is not a disease.
d
A sign of infection
Does benign ethnic neutropenia usually cause symptoms?
a
Yes, fatigue and fever are expected
b
Yes, frequent infections are common
c
No, most people have no symptoms
Most people with BEN have no symptoms at all and live normal, healthy lives.
d
Only during childhood
Does having BEN mean the immune system is weak?
a
No, immune function is normal
In BEN, the immune system works normally, even though the neutrophil count is lower on blood tests.
b
Yes, the immune system does not work properly
c
Yes, infections are harder to fight
d
Only during stress or illness
Why do doctors usually avoid treatment for BEN?
a
Treatment does not exist
b
Treatment would be dangerous
c
Treatment is unnecessary because BEN is harmless
Because BEN is not harmful, treatment is not needed and could cause unnecessary side effects.
d
BEN always resolves on its own
When would a doctor look more closely at a low neutrophil count?
a
When it has always been stable
b
When there are frequent infections or other abnormal blood counts
Doctors investigate further only if the low count is new, worsening, associated with symptoms, or accompanied by other abnormal findings.
c
When the patient feels well
d
When the count is slightly below the lab’s reference range
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