Details of Hairy Cell Leukemia

This is a rare, slow-growing type of cancer of the blood in which the bone marrow makes too many B cells (lymphocytes), a type of white blood cell that fights infection. These excess B cells are abnormal and look “hairy” under a microscope. As the number of these cells gets increased, fewer healthy white and red blood cells and platelets are produced.

May include:

• Feeling or fullness in the abdomen that may make it uncomfortable to eat more than a little at a time
• Fatigue
• Easy bruising
• Recurring infections
• Weakness
• Weight loss

May include:

• Physical exam: By feeling the spleen
• Blood tests
• Bone marrow biopsy
• CT scan

May be advised:

Chemotherapy: Patient may get either a continuous infusion of the drug or daily injections into a vein over several days.

Biological treatment: Biological therapy attempts to make cancer cells more recognizable to your immune system. Once your immune system identifies cancer cells as intruders, it can set about destroying your cancer.

Surgery: It is to remove your spleen (splenectomy) might be an option if your spleen ruptures or if it's enlarged and causing pain. Though removing your spleen can't cure hairy cell leukemia, it can usually restore normal blood counts.

May increase:

• Exposure to radiation
• Exposure to chemicals

May include:

• Infections
• Bleeding
• Anemia