Hairy Cell Leukaemia is sometimes misdiagnosed as Leukopenic Chronic T Cell Leukemia

It has been reported that some patients have been misdiagnosed with Leukopenic Chronic T Cell Leukemia, when in fact the correct diagnosis in their specific case was Hairy Cell Leukaemia.

Hairy cell leukemia is a rare, slow growing cancer where your bone marrow makes too many B cells. It is called hairy cell leukemia as these B cells look hairy under the microscope. It is a condition that may never be cured. Symptoms of hairy cell leukemia are a feeling of fullness in your abdomen that may make it uncomfortable to eat large amounts, fatigue, bruise easily, recurring infections, weakness and weight loss. Hairy cell leukemia has previously been mistaken for chronic T cell leukemia.

Always consult your doctor or health professional, and do not self diagnose.

Symptoms can include:

Fatigue, easy bruising, recurring infections, weakness, weight loss, a feeling of fullness in your abdomen, uncomfortable to eat large portions

Symptoms are a guideline only and may apply to either the diagnosis or the reported misdiagnosis, or both. Consult your specialist for further information.

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