Question 1

is hairy cell leukemia hereditary?

Accepted Answer

No.: Hairy cell leukemia is a relatively rare type of blood cancer that arises from lymphocytes.  It is extremely responsive to treatment.  Altough probably not cured, short treatments can result in many years of remission.  There is no inherited predisposition to hairy cell leukemia.

Question 2

what are the tests for hairy cell leukemia?

Accepted Answer

Hcl diagnosis: Clinical history and examination as well as simple blood work will reveal evidence of pancytopenia ( low white blood cell, red blood and platelet level) and enlargement of spleen and symptoms associated with above. This information is important. Ultimately, a bone marrow biopsy is essential to be done to diagnose hairy cell leukemia. Discuss further with
 your oncologist.

Question 3

what are the symptoms of hairy cell leukemia?

Accepted Answer

Fatigue: Hairy cell leukemia is a very rare disorder. It is diagnosed, usually, when a person presents with severe fatigue, and anemia is detected. A large spleen is often detected on examination.

Question 4

can you tell me anything about hairy cell leukemia?

Accepted Answer

Hope this helps.: Hcl is caused by the abnormal growth of b cells. The cells look "hairy" under the microscope because they have fine projections coming from their surface.

Hcl usually leads to low numbers of normal blood cells.

The cause of this disease is unknown. It affects men more often than women. The average age of diagnosis is 55.

Question 5

what are the chances of surviving hairy cell leukemia?

Accepted Answer

EXCELLENT: Hairy cell leukemia is rare. In about 90% of people with hcl one treatment can put them in remission for a very long time. Although hcl is considered incurable, its prognosis is great, most live a normal lifespan.  It is very important to have lifetime surveillance.

Question 6

what is the definition or description of: hairy cell leukemia?

Accepted Answer

See below: Please consult this site: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hairy-cell-leukemia/basics/definition/CON-20026432
For good health - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Drink enough water daily, so that your urine is mostly colorless. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form. 
Practice safe sex, if you have sex.

Question 7

is cladribine a good medication for  hairy cell leukemia?

Accepted Answer

Yes it is: Yes, it is. There are other medications  besides cladribine that  are also used for hairy cell leukemia.  Discuss further with your oncologist.

Question 8

is it common to be prescribed cladribine for hairy cell leukemia?

Accepted Answer

Yea: Most common treatment. Hope this helps.

Question 9

normal life span for 48 year old woman with hairy cell leukemia treated with cladrabine 2008?

Accepted Answer

May be a long time: Prior to cladribine, this leukemia had a low survival.  Now patients can have a long disease free interval.  Seer 5 year survival is 92%.  Hope this helps.

Question 10

can rituxan (rituximab) treat my hairy cell leukemia?

Accepted Answer

Generally, yes: Rituxan (rituximab) is an antibody that binds the surface of B lymphocytes, which includes hairy cell leukemia. By itself it can induce remissions, but it is more effective when given in combination with other agents.  Here is a link to a recent paper: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25195120

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Doctor answers about:

Hairy cell leukemia signs

A member asked:

Is hairy cell leukemia hereditary?

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What are the tests for hairy cell leukemia?

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What are the symptoms of hairy cell leukemia?

A member asked:

Can you tell me anything about hairy cell leukemia?

A member asked:

What are the chances of surviving hairy cell leukemia?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: hairy cell leukemia?

A member asked:

Is cladribine a good medication for hairy cell leukemia?

A member asked:

Is it common to be prescribed cladribine for hairy cell leukemia?

A member asked:

Normal life span for 48 year old woman with hairy cell leukemia treated with cladrabine 2008?

A member asked:

Can rituxan (rituximab) treat my hairy cell leukemia?

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