Hairy Cell Leukemia

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a rare chronic blood cancer affecting B lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell involved in immune defense. The disease gets its name from the fine hair-like projections seen on the surface of abnormal leukemia cells when viewed under a microscope. These abnormal cells can accumulate in the bone marrow, spleen, and blood, interfering with normal blood cell production. Hairy cell leukemia often progresses slowly and may cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, frequent infections, easy bruising or bleeding, and enlargement of the spleen. Some individuals may not require immediate treatment, while others are treated with specialized medications that can achieve long-lasting control of the disease.

Hairy cell leukemia is a rare, slow-growing blood cancer involving abnormal immune cells. It is called “hairy cell” because the leukemia cells have tiny hair-like projections when seen under a microscope.

• Rare form of chronic leukemia • Affects B lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell • Named because cells have hair-like projections under a microscope • Usually grows slowly • Can affect the bone marrow, blood, and spleen • May cause low blood counts, infections, fatigue, and enlarged spleen • Some patients may be monitored before treatment is needed • Modern treatments often provide long-lasting disease control