|
|
Hairy cell leukemiaDefinition Hairy cell leukemia is a cancer of lymphocytes (B cells) that leads to low blood counts. Causes, incidence, and risk factors Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is an uncommon cancer of the blood. It can be one of the causes of low numbers of normal blood cells. The disease is caused by the abnormal growth of B cells that can look "hairy" under the microscope because they have fine projections coming from their surface. The cause of this disease is unknown. It affects men 5 times more often than women, and the average age of onset is 55. Hairy cell leukemia is rare and only accounts for about 2% of the leukemias diagnosed each year. Symptoms
Signs and tests
Treatment Early in the course of the disease, no treatment may be necessary. Some patients may need an occasional blood transfusion. If treatment is needed because of very low blood counts, a variety of chemotherapy drugs (cladribine, pentostatin) can be used. Interferon is also used. In the majority of cases these drugs can produce a remission (complete relief from the disease) that lasts for many years. It is unclear if chemotherapy will cure the disease, however, because most patients will relapse over time. The removal of the spleen may improve blood counts, but is unlikely to cure the disease. Symptomatic treatment of infections with antibiotics or low blood counts with growth factors and transfusions may be required. Expectations (prognosis) Newer treatments using chemotherapy have greatly improved the survival of patients with hairy cell leukemia. Most patients with hairy cell leukemia can expect to live 10 years or longer with the disease. Complications The low blood counts caused by hairy cell leukemia can lead to infections, fatigue, and excessive bleeding. Calling your health care provider Call your health care provider if significant bleeding occurs. Also call if signs of infection are present, including persistent fever, cough, or general ill feeling. Prevention There is no known prevention. Illustrations
Page Content: Leukemic reticuloendotheliosis; HCL; Leukemia - hairy cell ; hairy cell leukemia; cell graffiti hairy leukemia; cell death from hairy leukemia rate; cell hairy leukemia submarine; tramadol hcl; hcl; phentermine hcl; hydroxyzine hcl; metformin hcl; ephedrine hcl; amitriptyline hcl; clindamycin hcl; hydroxyz hcl; ciprofloxacin hcl; oxycodone hcl; diphenhydramine hcl; cyclobenzaprine hcl; pseudoephedrine hcl; clonidine hcl; fexofenadine hcl; fluoxetine hcl; paroxetine hcl; acetaminophen tramadol hcl; bupropion hcl; meclizine hcl; phenylephrine hcl; hcl technologies; tizanidine hcl; glucosamine hcl; ranitidine hcl; diltiazem hcl; yohimbine hcl; buspirone hcl; hcl computer; trazodone hcl; nortriptyline hcl; terazosin hcl; cetirizine hcl; vardenafil hcl; tramadol hcl 50mg; doxepin hcl; synephrine hcl; vasopro ephedrine hcl; acetaminophen hcl par tramadol; hcl india; promethazine hcl; tramadol hcl side effects; metoclopramide hcl; propranolol hcl; benazepril hcl; imipramine hcl; betaine hcl; venlafaxine hcl; metformin hcl er; tramadol hcl 50 mg; sertraline hcl; verapamil hcl; loperamide hcl; metformin hcl 500mg; phenazopyridine hcl; l arginine hcl; hydromorphone hcl; minocycline hcl; hcl infosystems; hydroxyz hcl side effects; amiodarone hcl; labetalol hcl; propoxyphene hcl; ciprofloxacin hcl 500 mg; side effects of hydroxyzine hcl; duloxetine hcl; pure ephedrine hcl; diphenhydramine hcl side effects; hcl msds; hcl naoh; pyridoxine hcl; hydroxyzine hcl 10mg; lidocaine hcl; imipram hcl; procaine hcl; hydroxyzine hcl 25mg; diovan hcl; phentermine hcl 30mg; dicyclomine hcl; hydralazine hcl; hcl laptop; ciprofloxacin hcl 500mg; metformin hcl side effects; phenylpropanolamine hcl; cleocin hcl; hcl bpo; ephedrine hcl 25mg; atomoxetine hcl; hcl phenterprin; ph of hcl; hcl comnet; tetracycline hcl; bolt ephedrine hcl; hcl computer india; creatine ethyl ester hcl; ephedrine hcl tablet; sibutramine hcl; clindamycin hcl 300 mg; buy clindamycin hcl |
   |
