Getting diagnosed with hairy cell leukaemia
You usually start by seeing your GP if you have symptoms. Or your GP might arrange to see you if you have had an abnormal blood test result. They will ask you about any symptoms and examine you.
They will then decide whether to refer you for further tests or to a specialist.
Seeing your GP when you have symptoms of hairy cell leukaemia
See your GP if you notice a change that isn't normal for you, or if you have any of the possible symptoms of hairy cell leukaemia.
Referral to a specialist for hairy cell leukaemia
Your GP should refer you for an urgent blood test if your symptoms could be due to hairy cell leukaemia.
Screening for hairy cell leukaemia
There isn't a screening programme in the UK for hairy cell leukaemia.
Tests for hairy cell leukaemia
Your doctor can usually diagnose hairy cell leukaemia by doing a number of checks on your blood sample cells. These are called immunophenotyping tests. You then may have other tests to find out more about the type of leukaemia you have.
