What is the survival rate for hairy cell leukemia?

Generally for people with hairy cell leukaemia: around 95 out of every 100 (around 95%) will survive their leukaemia for 5 years or more after they are diagnosed.

What organs does hairy cell leukemia affect?

Hairy cell leukemia most commonly affects the bone marrow and spleen. However, because HCL travels between the bone marrow, spleen, liver and lymph nodes via the bloodstream, it may potentially affect any part of the body that the blood circulates to.

Is hairy cell leukemia serious?

Hairy cell leukemia progresses very slowly and sometimes remains stable for many years. For this reason, few complications of the disease occur. Untreated hairy cell leukemia that progresses may crowd out healthy blood cells in the bone marrow, leading to serious complications, such as: Infections.

Can you recover from hairy cell leukemia?

If you experience signs and symptoms of the cancer, you may decide to undergo treatment. The majority of people with hairy cell leukemia eventually need treatment. There is no cure for hairy cell leukemia. But treatments are effective at putting hairy cell leukemia in remission for years.

How long is treatment for hairy cell leukemia?

Approved Therapies for HCL A single cycle lasts five to seven days. After that, many people will not require additional treatment for several years or more.

How long is chemo for hairy cell leukemia?

Approved Therapies for HCL A single cycle lasts five to seven days. After that, many people will not require additional treatment for several years or more. For those who respond to cladribine initially but need further treatment for HCL years later, cladribine may bring about a second response.

Is hairy cell leukemia inherited?

There is no clear evidence that HCL runs in families or is caused by specific environmental factors. The disease is called hairy cell leukemia because the leukemia cells have long thin projections that look like hairs.

Is hairy cell leukemia hereditary?

Hairy cell leukemia is not generally considered to be an inherited disorder.

Can hairy cell leukemia spread?

Abnormal white blood cells can also build up in other parts of the body, such as the spleen and lymph nodes, or the liver. This can make your tummy (abdomen) swell and feel uncomfortable. The leukaemia cells can also spread to the brain in some people.

Does hairy cell leukemia have stages?

There is no standard staging system for hairy cell leukemia. Sometimes hairy cell leukemia does not respond to treatment or comes back after treatment.

How many people are affected by hairy cell leukemia?

Hairy cell leukemia affects about 6,000 persons in the United States. Approximately 600-800 new cases are diagnosed each year. Most of the affected individuals are males 50 years of age or older. However, the disorder may occur in individuals between 20 to 80 years of age.