A 50-year-old woman is seen by her family physician because she is feeling poorly. The woman has a known history of severe chronic gastritis. Physical examination demonstrates pallor of skin and mucosal membranes; no other positive findings are noted. A hematocrit of 33% is demonstrated in the physician's office. Blood smear performed and reviewed in the office shows enlarged erythrocytes that have enlarged central pale areas. Neutrophils and other white cells are present in normal numbers. Some of the neutrophils have hypersegmented nuclei. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Beta thalassemia trait
B. Folate deficiency anemia
C. Iron deficiency anemia
D. Sickle cell anemia
E. Vitamin B12 deficiencyanemia
A. Beta thalassemia trait
B. Folate deficiency anemia
C. Iron deficiency anemia
D. Sickle cell anemia
E. Vitamin B12 deficiencyanemia