Learn About Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL)

View Main Condition: Leukemia

What is the definition of Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL)?

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is an unusual cancer of the blood. It affects B lymphocyte cells, a type of white blood cell.

What are the alternative names for Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL)?

Leukemic reticuloendotheliosis; HCL; Leukemia - hairy cell

What are the causes of Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL)?

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.

What are the symptoms of Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL)?

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
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What are the current treatments for Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL)?

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.

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.

Who are the top Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL) Local Doctors?
Hematology | Hematology Oncology
Hematology | Hematology Oncology
675 N Saint Clair St, Galter 21-100, 
Chicago, IL 
 71.5 mi
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Martin Tallman is a Hematologist and a Hematologist Oncology provider in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Tallman and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL). His top areas of expertise are Leukemia, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia, Bone Marrow Transplant, and Bone Marrow Aspiration. Dr. Tallman is currently accepting new patients.

Oncology | Hematology Oncology | Hematology
Oncology | Hematology Oncology | Hematology

Mercy Health System Corporation

N2950 State Rd, Suite 67, 
Lake Geneva, WI 
 5.2 mi
Offers Telehealth

Shahid Shekhani is an Oncologist and a Hematologist Oncology provider in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Dr. Shekhani and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL). His top areas of expertise are Lung Adenocarcinoma, Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), Lynch Syndrome, and Colorectal Cancer.

 
 
 
 
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Hematology Oncology | Hematology | Oncology
Hematology Oncology | Hematology | Oncology

Columbia St Marys Hospital Milwaukee Inc

2301 N Lake Dr, 
Milwaukee, WI 
 42.9 mi
Accepting New Patients

Varsha Shah is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and a Hematologist in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dr. Shah and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL). Her top areas of expertise are Paget Disease of the Breast, Breast Cancer, Angiosarcoma, and Inflammatory Breast Cancer. Dr. Shah is currently accepting new patients.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL)?

Most people with HCL can expect to live 10 years or longer after diagnosis and treatment.

What are the possible complications of Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL)?

The low blood counts caused by hairy cell leukemia can lead to:

  • Infections
  • Fatigue
  • Excessive bleeding
When should I contact a medical professional for Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL)?

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.

How do I prevent Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL)?

There is no known way to prevent this disease.

What are the latest Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL) Clinical Trials?
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Phase II Study of Cladribine Plus Low Dose Cytarabine (LDAC) Induction Followed By Consolidation With Cladribine Plus LDAC Alternating With Decitabine in Patients With Untreated Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) or High-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)

Summary: The goal of this clinical research study is to learn if cladribine given in combination with low-dose cytarabine (LDAC) and decitabine can help control the disease in patients with AML or MDS. The safety of this drug combination will also be studied. Cladribine is designed to interfere with the cell's ability to process DNA (the genetic material of cells). It can also insert itself into the DNA of...

Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: June 17, 2024
Published By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, 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.

What are the references for this article ?

National Cancer Institute website. Hairy cell leukemia treatment (PDQ) health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/leukemia/hp/hairy-cell-treatment-pdq. Updated September 20, 2024. Accessed December 3, 2024.

Nasr MR, Hutchison RE. Leukocytic disorders. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 34.

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.