Hairy cell leukemia

Definition
Hairy cell leukemia is a chronic leukemia characterized by the presence of so-called hairy cells. Hairy cells are characterized by the appearance of mononuclear cells with fine hair protrusions of cytoplasm on the cell surface and the presence of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase in the cytoplasm. Their non-tumor equivalent is not known (previously was considered origin from endothelium - the older name for the disease was leukemic reticuloendotheliosis, today they are considered atypical B-lymphocytes (rarely they can also originate from T-lymphocytes)). This leukemia is classified as Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with low malignancy, they have some properties of macrophages (ability of Phagocytosis) and of lymphocytes (they carry surface Antibodies and react with monoclonal antibodies against B-lymphocytes). Occurs in adults, especially in men.

Bone marrow

 * Massive infiltration of networked lymphoid and monocytic cells,
 * original hematopoesis is supressed, number of mastocytes and reticular fibers is increased,
 * massive infiltration of bone marrow does not correlate with blood count.

Extramedullary tissues

 * 1) Spleen – diffuse infiltration, lymphocytes increase the size of red pulp (so-called angiomatoid transformation of the spleen),
 * 2) Liver – tumorous infiltration less marcant than in spleen,
 * 3) nodes – usually no infiltration.

Related articles

 * Leukemia
 * Acute lymphocytic leukemia
 * Acute myeloid leukemia
 * Chronic myeloid leukemia
 * Chronic lymphocytic leukemia