Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL)Symptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL)
View Main Condition: Leukemia
Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is an unusual cancer of the blood. It affects B lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.
Leukemic reticuloendotheliosis; HCL; Leukemia - hairy cell
HCL is caused by the abnormal growth of certain B cells. The cells look "hairy" under the microscope because they have fine projections extending from their surface.
HCL usually leads to a low number of normal blood cells.
The cause of this disease is unknown. Certain genetic changes in the cancer cells may be the cause. It affects men more often than women. The average age of diagnosis is 55.
Symptoms of HCL may include any of the following:
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Heavy sweating (especially at night)
- Fatigue and weakness
- Feeling full after eating only a small amount
- Recurrent infections and fevers
- Pain or fullness in the upper left belly (enlarged spleen)
- Swollen lymph glands
- Weight loss
Treatment may not be needed for the early stages of this disease. Some people may need an occasional blood transfusion.
If treatment is needed because of very low blood counts, chemotherapy medicines can be used.
In most cases, chemotherapy can relieve the symptoms for many years. When the signs and symptoms go away, you are said to be in remission. There are also now targeted treatment options available.
Removing the spleen may improve blood counts, but is unlikely to cure the disease. Antibiotics can be used to treat infections. People with low blood counts may receive growth factors and, possibly, transfusions.
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Martin Tallman is a Hematologist practicing medicine in New York, New York. Dr. Tallman is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL). He is also highly rated in 23 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL), Bone Marrow Transplant, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.
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Michael Grever is a Hematologist practicing medicine in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Grever is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL). He is also highly rated in 7 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL), Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), Chronic B-Cell Leukemia (CBCL), Leukemia, and Splenectomy. Dr. Grever is currently accepting new patients.
Enrico Tiacci practices practicing medicine in Perugia, Italy. Mr. Tiacci is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL). He is also highly rated in 6 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL), Leukemia, Hodgkin Lymphoma, Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma, and Splenectomy.
About 50% of people with HCL can expect to live 10 years or longer after the diagnosis and treatment.
The low blood counts caused by hairy cell leukemia can lead to:
- Infections
- Fatigue
- Excessive bleeding
Contact your provider if you have major bleeding. Also contact your provider if you have signs of infection, such as a persistent fever, cough, or general ill feeling.
There is no known way to prevent this disease.
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Published Date: May 01, 2026
Published By: Warren Brenner, MD, Oncologist, Lynn Cancer Institute, Boca Raton, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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National Cancer Institute website. Hairy cell leukemia treatment (PDQ) health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/leukemia/hp/hairy-cell-treatment-pdq. Updated February 21, 2025. Accessed May 22, 2026.
Ravandi F. Hairy cell leukemia. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 77.