“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a rare type of blood cancer that affects the white blood cells called B lymphocytes. It is called "hairy cell leukemia" because the abnormal B cells have hair-like projections on their surface.
HCL is characterized by the accumulation of malignant B lymphocytes in the bone marrow, spleen, and peripheral blood. This leads to a decrease in the production of normal blood cells, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and increased susceptibility to infections.
The exact cause of HCL is unknown, but it is believed to be related to genetic mutations that occur in B cells. HCL is more common in men than in women and is usually diagnosed in middle-aged or older adults.
Treatment for HCL typically involves chemotherapy and immunotherapy, which target and destroy the abnormal B cells. Some of the drugs used to treat HCL include cladribine, pentostatin, and rituximab. In some cases, splenectomy (surgical removal of the spleen) may also be necessary.
Overall, the prognosis for HCL is generally good, with most patients experiencing long-term remission after treatment. However, some patients may experience relapse and require further treatment.