Overview
Hairy cell leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells, specifically the B cells (or B lymphocytes). In this condition, the body produces too many B cells, but they are abnormal and have undergone changes in their DNA. These abnormal B cells do not function properly and continue to live when healthy cells would normally die, leading to an accumulation of leukemia cells. The extra cells can cause swelling in the spleen, liver, and lymph nodes, as well as complications like frequent infections, easy bruising, and fatigue. Hairy cell leukemia usually progresses slowly and may not require immediate treatment, with chemotherapy being the primary treatment option. It is more common in older adults and males.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of hairy cell leukemia might include:
- A feeling of fullness in your belly that may make it uncomfortable to eat more than a little at a time
- Fatigue
- Easy bruising
- Recurring infections
- Weakness
- Losing weight without trying These symptoms may not always be present and might not appear until the disease has advanced. If you have any persistent signs and symptoms that worry you, it's important to make an appointment with your healthcare provider.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing hairy cell leukemia include being an older adult, as it is more commonly diagnosed in people in their 50s or 60s, and being male. There is no clear understanding of the exact cause of hairy cell leukemia, but it occurs when B cells in the body develop genetic changes that lead to an overproduction of abnormal B cells. These abnormal cells do not die naturally and accumulate in the body, causing symptoms and complications.
Development
Hairy cell leukemia develops when B cells, a type of white blood cell involved in fighting germs, undergo changes in their DNA. These changes tell the B cells to produce an excessive number of abnormal B cells that don't function correctly. These abnormal cells persist when healthy cells would naturally die, leading to an accumulation of leukemia cells in the body. As the leukemia cells crowd out healthy blood cells in the bone marrow and other organs, they cause symptoms and complications, such as swelling of the spleen, liver, and lymph nodes, frequent infections, easy bruising, and fatigue.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should see a doctor if you have persistent signs and symptoms that worry you, even if you are not sure if it is hairy cell leukemia. Some of the common symptoms of hairy cell leukemia include a feeling of fullness in your belly, fatigue, easy bruising, recurring infections, weakness, and losing weight without trying. If you experience any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your health care provider to discuss your concerns.
Diagnosis
To diagnose hairy cell leukemia, your healthcare provider may recommend a physical exam, blood tests (including a complete blood count with differential and a peripheral blood smear), a bone marrow biopsy, and lab tests to analyze the leukemia cells. They may also order a computerized tomography (CT) scan to look for swelling in the spleen and lymph nodes.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Potential complications of hairy cell leukemia include too few healthy blood cells, which can lead to frequent infections, easy bruising, and feeling very tired. Other complications may include swelling in the spleen, liver, and lymph nodes, anemia, and an increased risk of other cancers.
Home Remedies
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate treatment and management of hairy cell leukemia.
Treatment
The treatments for hairy cell leukemia typically involve chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is the primary treatment for hairy cell leukemia. The leukemia cells are killed or stopped from growing by using chemicals that destroy cancer cells. This type of cancer often gets worse slowly, and treatment may not need to start right away. When it's needed, chemotherapy is usually the treatment option.
Preparing for medical consultation
To prepare for an appointment for hairy cell leukemia, you should:
- See your usual health care provider if you have any symptoms that worry you. If your provider suspects hairy cell leukemia, they may suggest that you see a specialist, such as a hematologist.
- Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions, and ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet.
- Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including those that may seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment.
- Prepare a list of questions to ask your doctor, prioritizing them from most important to least important, in case time runs out. Some basic questions include:
- What kinds of tests do I need?
- Will I need treatment for my hairy cell leukemia?
- If I don't have treatment, will my leukemia worsen?
- If I need treatment, what are my options?
- Will treatment cure my hairy cell leukemia?
- What are the side effects of each treatment option?
- Is there one treatment you feel is best for me?
- How will cancer treatment affect my daily life?
- Should I see a specialist? What will that cost, and will my insurance cover it?
- Are there brochures or other printed material that I can take with me? What websites do you suggest?
- Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
- Make a list of all medications, vitamins, or supplements you're taking.
- Consider bringing a family member or friend along to the appointment, as they may help recall information provided during the appointment. Remember to be open and honest with your healthcare provider about your concerns and symptoms, and don't hesitate to ask questions. Good preparation will help ensure that you make the most of your appointment time.