Hairy Cell Leukemia

Hairy cell leukemia is another problem in the bone marrow of the B cells lymphocytes. The cases are more common in men than women are, although the cause is yet unknown. This type of disease is chronic and life threatening. Several treatments are available but the cost is very much expensive.

The manifestations of hairy cell leukemia are weight loss, fatigue, easy bruising, weakness, recurring infections and feeling of fullness in the abdomen. This several signs and symptoms are the same with other types of diseases that is why it is advisable to consult a doctor. You need to see your doctor as long as the manifestations are recurring.

Risk factors of this disease are more common to people who are exposed too much to exposure to radiations such as x-ray. Exposure to chemicals can be at great risk for having hairycell leukemia because of industrial and agricultural chemicals could play a role in hairy cell leukemia development. Exposure to sawdust some studies have found a link between working with wood and sawdust and an increased risk of hairy cell leukemia.

The complications for this disease if it is not treated can be Low white blood cell count therefore, more infections. Bleeding because when plate counts drop the person will need to have extra careful protection due to bleeding tendencies and anemia due to low red blood cells because in the bone marrow this three are being produced.

Diagnosis:

Physical Examinations - this is to determine the bruises, check the organs if enlarged by using the inspection, palpation, percussion and auscultation.

Blood tests - the common type of blood tests is complete blood count where the value of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelet can either be elevated or decrease.

Bone marrow biopsy - A small amount of bone marrow fluid is aspirated in the hip area this is to confirm that the client has hairy cell carcinoma.

Computerized Tomography Scan - this is to show or visualize a detailed parts inside the body and help determine the extent of affected area.

For the management:

For surgical management this is Splenectomy to avoid rupture of the spleen and affect other parts of the body this is being removed.

Chemotherapy is the first line of treatment for hairy cell leukemia. Majority of people will experience remissions with several chemotherapeutic drugs such as Cladribine and Pentostatin. The side effects of this are fever, infection and kidney problems. The common side effects of chemotherapy are alopecia but this will return after chemotherapy sessions. This treatment will eventually deplete the immune system.

Therapeutic regimen is well followed to keep the client healthy and free from any type of infections.