The cause of hairy cell leukemia is not specifically known
Hairy Cell Leukemia or HCL is a hematological malignancy and is a very rare form of leukemia accounting for less than 2% of leukemia cases. It effects men more than women.
Hairy cell leukemia gets its name from the appearance of the leukemic cells under a microscope. The cells have hair-like projections on their surface, giving them a "hairy" appearance.
Hairy cell leukemia is a blood cancer in which white blood cells are effected; white blood cells begin to look "hairy" because projections begin to grow from them. Victims of the disease are more prone to bruising, bleeding, sweating, fatigue, a loss of appetite, weakness, swollen lymph glands, weight loss, and resurfacing infections and fevers. HCL has no known cause but generally affects more men than women and people around the age of 55. Typically, patients with HCL have a life expectancy of an addition ten years after they have been diagnosed, making it fatal.
Yes
Yes
There are many different types of leukemia. Some are acute and some are more chronic. Hairy cell leukemia is one of the worst types. It matures faster than most.
Hairy cell leukemia
leukemic reticuloendotheliosis
It was first described in 1958
Schaumburg, IL
Hairy cell leukemia affects a type of white blood cell called the lymphocyte