A rare form of blood cancer called hairy cell leukemia affects white blood cells called B cells. The B cells fight infections and other diseases in the body. Hairy cell leukemia occurs when these cells become abnormal and grow out of control. Because of the projections on their surface, they also appear hairy under a microscope. Hairy cell leukemia can cause serious complications if left untreated because it is a chronic, slow-growing disease.
The exact cause of hairy cell leukemia is unknown. However, some factors may increase the risk of developing this disease. These include:
Age: Hairy cell leukemia is more common in older adults, especially in their 50s and 60s.
Gender: Hairy cell leukemia is more common in men than in women.
Exposure: Hairy cell leukemia may be linked to exposure to certain chemicals, such as pesticides, herbicides, and solvents.
Genetics: Hairy cell leukemia may be caused by mutations in the DNA of the B cells. Some of these mutations may be inherited, while others may occur randomly during the cell’s life cycle.
Hairy cell leukemia may not cause any symptoms in the early stages. However, as the disease progresses, it may cause:
Fatigue and weakness
Frequent infections
Easy bruising and bleeding
Weight loss and loss of appetite
Abdominal discomfort and fullness
Enlarged spleen, liver, and lymph nodes
Hairy cell leukemia can be diagnosed by:
Physical examination: The doctor may check for signs of enlarged spleen, liver, and lymph nodes, and look for any bruises or bleeding on the skin.
Tests of the blood: The doctor may order a complete blood count (CBC) to determine how many red, white, and platelets are in the blood. A low level of these cells may indicate hairy cell leukemia. In addition, the doctor may order a peripheral blood smear to examine the blood cells under a microscope and look for the characteristic hairy appearance of leukemia cells.
A bone marrow biopsy will test for hairy cell leukemia cells and other abnormalities by taking a small sample of bone marrow from the hip bone.
Lab tests: In order to determine the genetic and molecular characteristics of hairy cell leukemia cells, the doctor may perform a variety of lab tests on blood and bone marrow samples. Using these tests, you can confirm the diagnosis, identify the subtype of the disease, and decide how to treat it.
Hairy cell leukemia can be treated by:
During chemotherapy, drugs are used to kill or stop cancer cells from growing. Most cases of hairy cell leukemia can be treated with chemotherapy as an injection or as a pill. Chemotherapy is very effective and can cause remission in most cases. The term remission means the body does not show signs of cancer. However, it does not last forever and may return.
Cancer cells are treated with targeted therapies using drugs that are designed to target specific features of their growth and survival, such as proteins or genes. Hairy cell leukemia can be treated with targeted therapy alone or in conjunction with chemotherapy. Targeted therapy is usually given as a pill or injection. If hairy cell leukemia does not respond to chemotherapy or returns after remission, targeted therapy can also be used.
The goal of immunotherapy is to stimulate the immune system in order to fight cancer cells. Immunotherapy is usually administered as an injection. Hairy cell leukemia can be treated with immunotherapy alone or in combination with chemotherapy or targeted therapy. Additionally, immune therapy can be used to treat hairy cell leukemia that fails to respond to other treatments or returns after remission.
As a result of hairy cell leukemia cells, the spleen or other organs are removed through surgery. The surgery is usually performed only when the spleen is very large and causes severe symptoms or complications. Surgery can relieve symptoms and improve blood counts, but it does not cure the disease.
There is no known way to prevent hairy cell leukemia. However, some general measures that may help reduce the risk of developing this disease or improve the outcome of the treatment are:
Avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals, such as pesticides, herbicides, and solvents
Following a healthy diet and lifestyle, such as eating more fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight
Getting regular check-ups and blood tests, especially if you have a family history of hairy cell leukemia or other blood cancers
Seeking medical attention promptly if you experience any symptoms or signs of hairy cell leukemia, such as fatigue, infections, bruising, bleeding, weight loss, or abdominal discomfort
