Causative & risk factors
Hairy cell leukemia is caused by a genetic mutation. Why this mutation occurs in not known. There has been some evidence to link this mutation with exposure to radiation and certain chemicals.
Clinical presentation
Patients with hairy cell leukemia either remain asymptomatic or develop non-specific signs and symptoms. He may develop a sensation of fullness in the abdomen allowing him to eat only a little at a time. He may be easily subjected to bruising. He feels weak, starts losing weight and is prone to catch infections.
Investigations
Physical examination of the patient reveals an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly). A complete blood count with a peripheral blood smear is done. This is followed by a bone marrow biopsy to look for the hairy leukemic cells.
Treatment
Hairy cell leukemia is an extremely slowly progressing condition; hence the prognosis is good even if it is detected at later stages. Even though the condition is incurable, treatment can put the patient into long periods of remission.
Chemotherapy is the primary line of treatment. When chemotherapy doesn’t work, the patient can opt for biologic therapy with interferon or ritiximab. Sometimes surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy) may become necessary.
