Getting diagnosed
Depending on your symptoms and other factors, this might be an urgent suspected cancer referral.
You will see a specialist as soon as possible. Ask your GP when this is likely to be.
It can be hard for GPs to decide who may have cancer and who might have a more minor condition. For some symptoms, your doctor may ask you to wait to see if the symptoms get better. Or if they respond to treatment, such as antibiotics.
Hairy cell leukaemia is a chronic leukaemia. Symptoms might develop slowly. Sometimes it does not need an urgent referral.
It is important to remember that:
your symptoms are likely to be caused by something other than cancer, but it is important to have them checked by your GP
hairy cell leukaemia is rare
There are guidelines for GPs to help them decide who needs a referral. These vary slightly between the different UK nations. Your GP will use these guidelines as well as their own experience and judgement.
Some of the guidelines have targets around how quickly you are referred. For example, you might have blood tests within 2 days. Or you may see a specialist immediately (within a few hours).
Your GP will consider any other symptoms you have, so do mention these.
Read more about the symptoms of hairy cell leukaemia
Sometimes you might feel that your GP is not concerned enough about your symptoms. If you think they should be more concerned, print this page and the symptoms page. Ask your GP to explain why they don’t think you need a referral.
Contact your GP again if your symptoms don't get better or you notice any new or unusual symptoms.
If your GP has referred you to a specialist, ask them when you should get your appointment. Contact them again if you don’t get one. Or some hospitals have a referral service you could try contacting if you know which hospital you are going to. Explain that you are waiting for an urgent suspected cancer referral.
Go to more information about an urgent referral, what to expect and questions to ask
Your hospital is working towards waiting time targets. For example, a target to find out whether you have cancer or not. And there are targets to start treatment if you are diagnosed with cancer. These are slightly different depending on where you live in the UK.
Last reviewed: 25 Oct 2024
Next review due: 25 Oct 2027
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.
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.
Symptoms of hairy cell leukaemia can include frequent infections and swelling of the tummy. Some people don't have symptoms.
There are different treatments for hairy cell leukaemia. You might have one treatment, or a combination. The main treatment is chemotherapy.
Hairy cell leukaemia (HCL) is a rare type of chronic leukaemia. It develops slowly from white blood cells called B lymphocytes. Find out about this type of leukaemia.
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