Hairy Cell Leukemia : Detection And Likely Complications

Diagnosis & Tests:

In case there are doubts about the presence of hairy cell leukemia then the doctor would be observant for the following three signs:

• Spleen enlargement.
• Lower count of all the types of blood cells.
• Presence of hairy cell leukemia in the blood.

In order to look out for these indicators the doctor would carry out several tests and examinations that would comprise of:

• Physical Examination
  The doctor would palpate the ellipsoidal-shaped organ placed to the left side of the upper part of the abdomen to check whether there is any kind of enlargement. An enlargement in the spleen could lead to feeling full in the abdomen that could cause discomfort during eating. The doctor might additionally look out for any enlargement in the lymph nodes that could point to the presence of cancer.
• Blood Analysis
  The blood sample collected is tested for CBC or complete blood count for gauging the blood count as those individuals with hairy cell leukemia have depleted counts of all kinds of blood cells namely red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Another type of blood test known as peripheral blood smear is conducted for checking the presence of hairy cell leukemia cells in the blood sample.
• Biopsy of the bone marrow
  During the course of a bone marrow biopsy, a minuscule quantity of bone marrow is extracted from the hip region. This sample is analysed for the presence of hairy cell leukemia and for keeping a watch on the normal, healthy blood cells.
• Computerised Tomography or CT or CAT scan
  A CAT scan reveals in-depth imagery of the internal parts of the body. The doctor would recommend undergoing a CAT scan for detecting whether the spleen and lymph nodes are having any kind of enlargement.

Possible Complications:

Hairy cell leukemia has a slow progression rate and at times, stay stabilised for several years. Hence due to this aspect there are fewer complications occurring. But, when not treated, hairy cell leukemia could advance and cause grave complications, like:

• Susceptibility to infection
  Depleted white blood cell count could make one more vulnerable to infections as the body’s infection combating capability is hindered due the presence of the disease.
• Easy Bruising and Blood clotting Problems
  Lowered platelet count could obstruct blood clotting. Hence, in case one is having a slightly lower platelet count, then one might observe being bruised more easily. Depleted platelet count could lead to unprompted blood loss from the nose or the gums.
• Low Haemoglobin Count
  A sapped red blood cell count would translate to lesser presence of cells for transporting oxygen all through the body leading to anemia that is known to cause immense weariness.
• Splenic Burst or Rupture
  A ruptured spleen could turn out to be a life-threatening situation the needs urgent surgical intervention for removal of the spleen. Hairy cell leukemia could inundate the spleen leading to its enlargement. Ultimately, the surplus cells lead to the spleen rupturing; however this kind of complication is quite atypical.

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