Hairy cell leukaemia

Hairy cell leukaemia (HCL) is a rare type of chronic leukaemia. It develops slowly from white cells called B lymphocytes.

Hairy cell leukaemia variant (HCL-V) is a separate type of leukaemia from the typical or classic hairy cell leukaemia.

Symptoms of hairy cell leukaemia can include frequent infections and swelling of the tummy. Some people don't have symptoms.

You usually start by seeing your GP and they might refer you to a specialist and organise tests. Find out more about tests and screening for hairy cell leukaemia.

Hairy cell leukaemia usually develops slowly and can be kept under control for many years with treatment.

There are different treatments for hairy cell leukaemia. You might have one treatment, or a combination. The main treatment is chemotherapy.

The stage means how far your leukaemia has developed. There is no widely agreed staging system for hairy cell leukaemia.

Researchers around the world are looking into the causes and treatment of hairy cell leukaemia.

We don’t know what causes hairy cell leukaemia. But there are some factors that might increase your risk of developing it.

Support is available to help you and your family cope with a diagnosis of hairy cell leukaemia and its treatment.