Hairy Cell Leukemia
Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL) is an uncommon type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It is caused by the excessive accumulation of a type of white blood cell called B cells. The older adults (above 60 years) are usually affected by this type of leukemia. Symptoms of HCL include fatigue, weight loss, easy bruisability, and recurrent infections. The disease is usually diagnosed by examining the blood cells under a microscope and with additional laboratory tests. HCL is typically treated with medication such as cladribine or rituximab, although splenectomy (surgical removal of the spleen) is sometimes recommended. Given that it is a slow- progressing cancer, prognosis for HCL is typically good. Patients with this cancer can survive for many years after diagnosis with an appropriate treatment plan.
← Journal of Advances in Leukemia