Hairy Cell Leukemia - Slow Growing Cancer

Cancers are caused by mutations in DNA. Hairy cell leukemia is caused by the mutations in DNA causing stem cells to create leukocytes that are deformed by their hairy design, which causes them not to function properly. It isn't known what causes the defect in the DNA to cause the mutations. It is believed that HCL is inherited. HCL is found more in Ashkenazi Jewish heritage. People who work around radiation, such as X-ray technicians may be at risk, but there is no proof to prove this yet, although some cases of HCL have been reported in X-ray workers.

It is believed that exposure to agricultural petroleum products could be related to the incidence of the disease, as well as wood workers being exposed to sawdust may also play a role in HCL. No definite conclusions have been made through studies to confirm of deny these risk factors only that HCL has presented in people working in these environments.

Since HCL does not always present with symptoms, you may not know you are sick. However if you start feeling tired and listless, and you don't feel well, or you have a feeling of fullness that interferes with your being able to eat, you should see your doctor for a complete checkup. If your doctor suspects HCL, you will be screened for the presence of hair cells in your blood sample, a below normal level of all blood cell components, and an enlarged spleen.

On examination your doctor will palpate (feel) your abdomen for the shape and size of your spleen. Your doctor may examine your lymph nodes to determine if they are swelled, which may help to confirm the presence of HCL. Your doctor will order a complete blood count (CBC) to determine the amount of all the blood cells in your blood. A CBC measures white blood cells, platelets and red blood cells. Your doctor may do many tests and scans to determine and rule out any other disease.

HCL is an insidious disease. It is slow growing and many don't even know they have a problem. Patients may go for years before being diagnosed. Patients with HCL are at risk for infections that a healthy person could fight off. Low platelets in the blood make it difficult for the blood to clot. Patients may notice that their gums and nose bleeds spontaneously. Patients are at risk of a spleen rupture, which is life threatening. The extra cells accumulating there in the spleen causes spleen enlargement. Removal of the spleen is the treatment of choice if there is spleen engorgement.