Volosatokletochnыy leukemia
Description
Volosatokletochnыy leukemia (ON) It is a rare form of cancer. It affects the white blood cells, called B lymphocytes. White blood cells protect the body from infection. ON received his the name of the tiny hairs, which protrude from the surface of cancer cells. The disease is caused by the accumulation of cancer cells in the bone marrow and spleen.
Reasons for hairy cell leukemia
The causes of hairy cell leukemia is unknown.
Risk factors for hairy cell leukemia
ON more common in men. It is also more common in people over the age of 50 years.
The symptoms of hairy cell leukemia
ON usually develops slowly over time. At an early stage may be no symptoms. Cancer cells eventually grow in the bone marrow. It affects the growth of normal cells (eg, erythrocytes and platelets), causing a variety of symptoms:
- Zhelezodefitsitnaya anemia (low levels of red blood cells);
- Increased risk of bleeding (due to reduced platelet levels in the blood).
Other symptoms may include:
- Splenomegaly;
- Enlarged liver;
- Recurrent infections (often accompanied by fever);
- Easy bruising;
- Night sweats;
- Hyperadenosis.
Diagnosis of hairy cell leukemia
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination.
Tests may include:
- Blood tests;
- Bone marrow biopsy;
- Computed tomography of the abdomen (CT).
Treatment of hairy cell leukemia
ON is a slow growing type of cancer. It does not require aggressive treatment at early stage. If ON is progressing, Treatment may include:
- Operation – may require splenectomy, to remove the enlarged spleen;
- Chemotherapy – the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Preparations for the chemotherapy may be given in various forms: tablets, injection, the introduction of a catheter. The drugs enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, killing mostly cancer, and also some healthy cells.
- Immunotherapy – used drugs (eg, interleukin-2, interferon), to stimulate the immune system, which can effectively destroy cancer cells;
- Bone marrow transplantation – bone marrow is destroyed with high doses of chemotherapy and / or radiation therapy. The bone marrow is replaced with healthy bone marrow donor;
- Blood transfusion – blood transfusions can be performed to treat anemia;
- Taking antibiotics or other drugs to fight infection.
Prevention of hairy cell leukemia
Since the cause of the unknown ON, there are no guidelines to prevent it.
