Hairy cell leukemia

Hairy cell leukemia

Hairy cell leukemia smear 2009-08-20.JPG

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a rare, slow-growing cancer of the blood in which the bone marrow produces an excessive number of B cells (a type of white blood cell) that appear "hairy" under a microscope. These abnormal cells accumulate in the bone marrow, spleen, and blood, interfering with normal blood cell production and function.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of hairy cell leukemia include:

• Fatigue
• Recurrent infections
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Weight loss
• Splenomegaly (enlarged spleen)

Complications

Complications of hairy cell leukemia can include:

• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
• Increased risk of infections due to low white blood cell count

Diagnosis

Hairy cell leukemia is typically diagnosed through:

• Blood tests showing abnormal cells
• Bone marrow biopsy confirming the presence of hairy cells

Differential Diagnosis

Conditions that may be considered in the differential diagnosis include:

• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Treatment

Treatment options for hairy cell leukemia include:

• Chemotherapy with drugs such as cladribine or pentostatin
• Immunotherapy with agents like rituximab
• Splenectomy (surgical removal of the spleen) in certain cases

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with hairy cell leukemia is generally good, especially with appropriate treatment. Many patients achieve long-term remission.

Epidemiology

Hairy cell leukemia is a rare condition, most commonly diagnosed in middle-aged adults, with a higher prevalence in males.

See also

• Leukemia
• Hematology
• Bone marrow
• White blood cell