Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL)
In hairy cell leukemia, broken or "hairy" cells build up in the bone marrow, enervating the ability of the marrow to produce an ample amount of normal cells.
Symptoms
As white blood cells are needed to fight infections, red blood cells to carry oxygen, and platelets to retard bleeding, HCL patients often present chronic infections, anemia related fatigue, and persistent or easy bleeding. HCL can cause swelling in the spleen, causing sufferers to feel full even when they have eaten very little. HCL diagnosis begins with a complete blood count, or CBC, which examines the white cell, red cell, and platelet counts. If HCL is suspected a more specific type of blood test may be used or a bone marrow sample may be taken to achieve a positive diagnosis.
Treatment Options
Several treatment options are available for HCL, and successful treatment of the disease is common. Unlike most cancers, there is no correlation between early diagnosis and treatment and the rate of success in controlling the progress of the disease. Monotherapy is usually the fist line treatment of the disease, meaning that unlike other cancers, individuals are usually on only one drug at a time, either taken orally or by IV. During the first stage of treatment the drugs destroy the hairy cells. In the process the immune system is greatly weakened in the weeks following treatment, but resumes strength during the recovery phase. Many patients go into complete remission following treatment. Approximately 85% of patients treated with the two most popular drugs acheive a complete response.
For those patients resistant to the first line therapy, immunotherapy is the common secondary treatment path. These patients usually receive IV infusions of monoclonal antibodies meant to destroy the cancerous B cells. Positive reactions should be expected from this treatment within six months.
 |
 |
 |
Let Us Help!
If you have questions about asbestos or benzene exposure and are concerned about possible occupational diseases and cancers, Shelton Law Group is here to help. Call us today for a FREE evaluation to find out if you have a case or fill out our case assessment form to consult with a member of our devoted staff.