What are the causes and risk factors associated with hairy cell leukemia?
The cause of hairy cell leukemia is not known. Further, there is no direct link between the disease and exposure to environmental toxins. What are the signs and symptoms of hairy cell leukemia? The symptoms of hairy cell leukemia are nonspecific and resemble those of other illnesses. Some signs may include: • Discomfort or fullness in the upper left side of the abdomen, as a result of an enlarged spleen • Unexplained weight loss • A loss of a sense of well-being • An infection along with fever and chills Hairy cells accumulate in the bone marrow. These cells prevent the marrow from producing enough normal blood cells. The disruption of normal blood cell production leads to: • Anemia (deficiency of red cells) • Thrombocytopenia (deficiency of platelets). Black and blue marks, as a result of the low concentration of blood platelets, may occur on the skin in the absence of injury or after a minor injury • Increased risk of infection due to a deficiency of neutrophils and monocytes, types
