What Are The Signs and Symptoms of Hairy Cell Leukemia?

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a rare, slow-growing cancer of the blood in which your bone marrow makes too many B cells (lymphocytes), a type of white blood cell that fights infection. These excess B cells are abnormal and look "hairy" under a microscope. As the number of leukemia cells increases, fewer healthy white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets are produced.

The Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Hairy Cell Leukemia include:

• Fatigue: This is a common symptom in many types of leukemia, including hairy cell leukemia. Patients often feel tired or weak due to a lack of healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the body's tissues.
• Easy bruising or bleeding: This can occur due to a decrease in the number of platelets, which are needed for blood clotting.
• Frequent infections: HCL can lead to a decrease in the number of healthy white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting off infections. As a result, patients may experience frequent or severe infections.
• Unexplained weight loss: Some patients may experience a loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss.
• Swollen lymph nodes: The abnormal B cells can accumulate in the lymph nodes, causing them to swell.
• Feeling of fullness in your abdomen: This can occur due to an enlarged spleen, which is a common sign of hairy cell leukemia.

Seek Care For Your Hairy Cell Leukemia

If you experience any of the above symptoms, talk to your doctor. While these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than HCL, your doctor can help determine the cause and appropriate treatment. Early detection and treatment of HCL can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life.

Want to Learn More About Hairy Cell Leukemia?

Keep reading HealthTree for Hairy Cell Leukemia's 101 pages!

• What Is Hairy Cell Leukemia?
• How Is Hairy Cell Leukemia Diagnosed?
• How Long Will I Live With Hairy Cell Leukemia?
• How Is Hairy Cell Leukemia Staged And Classified?
• What Are Treatments For Hairy Cell Leukemia?