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Hairy Cell Leukemia Cancer
A condition that usually affects older males, hairy cell leukemia is a rare type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. The disease gets its name because the leukemia cells appear "hairy" when viewed under a microscope. This form of cancer often progresses slowly or not at all.
Symptoms of hairy cell leukemia may include:
- Fever
- Frequent infections
- Fatigue
- Easy bruising or bleeding.
However, these signs and symptoms could also simply be caused by an infection or another problem. It's important to see your healthcare provider to determine what is causing your symptoms.
(To learn more about this type of cancer, including how it is diagnosed and treated, click Hairy Cell Leukemia.)
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD