Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a rare and chronic form of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It is characterized by the excessive production of abnormal B lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, called hairy cells. These hairy cells appear enlarged, irregularly shaped, and covered with fine hair-like projections when viewed under a microscope, hence the name hairy cell leukemia.
HCL is considered a low-grade malignancy, meaning it progresses slowly compared to other types of leukemia. It primarily affects middle-aged to older adults, with men being affected more frequently than women. The exact cause of HCL is unknown, but certain risk factors, such as exposure to certain chemicals or their fumes, genetics, and infections, have been suggested to play a role in its development.
The overproduction of hairy cells leads to the crowding out of healthy white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in the bone marrow, resulting in various symptoms. Common clinical manifestations of HCL include fatigue, weakness, recurrent infections, enlarged spleen, anemia, low platelet count, and increased susceptibility to bleeding and bruising.
Diagnosis of hairy cell leukemia typically involves a combination of physical examination, blood tests, bone marrow biopsy, and imaging studies. Treatment options for HCL include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy drugs, which aim to eliminate the excessive hairy cells and improve blood counts. With appropriate treatment, many individuals with hairy cell leukemia can achieve long-term remission and have a good prognosis. However, regular monitoring and follow-up are necessary to detect any signs of relapse.
