Hairy Cell Leukemia, Symptoms, Phases, Treatment

Conditions & Diseases: Cancer: Leukemia Learning Center

Leukemia

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Hairy Cell Leukemia

Hairy cell leukemia is a rare form of leukemia caused by an increased number of lymphocytes, and is a sub-type of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It is called “hairy” because the leukemia cells responsible for this disease have a “hairy” look when viewed under a microscope. This type of leukemia progresses very slowly, and is more common among older men.

Unfortunately, the causes that lead to Hairy Cell Leukemia are not known, and the risk factors associated with this type of leukemia are the gender and age.

Its symptoms are similar with other types of leukemia, which include:

Fever

Feeling tired

Weakness

Frequent and recurrent infections

Breathing difficulties

Unexplained weight loss

Easy bleeding and brushing

Discomfort below the ribs (pain or fullness sensations)

Painless lumps in the neck, armpit, stomach, and groin area

Phases (similar to stages)

Like some other types of leukemia, hairy cell leukemia is not classified through any standard staging system, but is divided in three phases. These include:

1. Untreated: In this phase, leukemia has recently been diagnosed and the treatment focuses only on relieving symptoms like weight loss and infections. The main characteristics of this phase are: 1) hairy leukemia cells are present in the blood or bone marrow, 2) the number of white and red blood cells, or platelets may be lower than normal, and 3) the spleen may be larger than normal.

2. Progressive: In this phase, leukemia is treated with chemotherapy or surgery by removing the spleen (splenectomy). The main characteristics of this phase are: 1) the leukemia hairy cells are present in a high number in the blood and bone marrow, and the number of red and white blood cells or platelets are lower than normal.

3. Refractory: In this phase leukemia has recurred (relapsed) after it was treated.

Learn more about Treatment Options for HCL

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Article by Alina Morrow, MS
Medical Writer
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Page Last Modified:
12/01/2010