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Hairy Cell Leukemia
Alternate Names : HCL, Leukemic Reticuloendotheliosis
Definition
Hairy cell leukemia is a cancer of lymphocytes (B cells) that leads to low blood counts.
Pictures & Images
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is an uncommon cancer of the blood. It can be one of the causes of low numbers of normal blood cells. The disease is caused by the abnormal growth of B cells that can look "hairy" under the microscope because they have fine projections coming from their surface.
The cause of this disease is unknown. It affects men 5 times more often than women, and the average age of onset is 55. Hairy cell leukemia is rare and only accounts for about 2% of the leukemias diagnosed each year.
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Jump to another section
• Definition
• Hairy Cell Leukemia Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Hairy Cell Leukemia Symptoms & Signs
• Hairy Cell Leukemia Prevention
• Hairy Cell Leukemia Diagnosis & Tests
• Hairy Cell Leukemia Treatment
• Hairy Cell Leukemia Prognosis
• Hairy Cell Leukemia Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Tests & Exams
• Abdominal CT Scan
• Bone Marrow Biopsy
• CBC
• Platelet Count
• WBC Count
Other Topics
• Bleeding
• Bleeding Into the Skin
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Malaise
• Peripheral
• Splenomegaly
• Sweating - Excessive
• Swollen Glands
• Symptomatic
• Weakness
Review Date : 10/28/2003
Reviewed By : Ezra E. W. Cohen, M.D., Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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