Hairy Cell Leukemia
Hairy cell leukemia is the most uncommon type of leukemia. Many people view it as a subset of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. According to Mayo Clinic, approximately 600 to 800 new cases are diagnosed each year. Middle-aged men are the most likely to be diagnosed with it, and it is rarely if ever seen in children.
Expand All Guide SectionsWhat is Hairy Cell Leukemia?
Hairy cell leukemia is a slow-growing disease in which the bone marrow makes too many “B” cells, a type of white blood cell that fights infection. Hairy cell leukemia gets its name from the fine projections on these cells that, under a microscope, look like hair.
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- According to the National Library of Medicine, patients who have the disease and are treated can expect to live 10 years or more after diagnosis.
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For an overview …
The Leukemia-Lymphoma Society
offers a brief, easy to understand overview of the disease. Scroll down to the bottom and click on the Hairy Cell Leukemia fact sheet link to get a free document in PDF form that explains HCL.
WebMD
has a more detailed overview of hairy cell leukemia.
For symptoms …
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
describes hairy cell leukemia’s signs and symptoms, such as an enlarged spleen and fatigue.
Hairy Cell Leukemia Diagnosis and Treatment
Doctors use the same types of methods to diagnose and treat hairy cell leukemia as other types of ... read more »
Hairy Cell Leukemia Support
Though hairy cell leukemia is an uncommon disease, there are a few forums and blogs on the Web ... read more »
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