Hairy cell leukaemia

A chronic lymphoproliferative disorder of B cell origin, characterised by the presence of 'hairy' cells in the blood and bone marrow.

See also Chronic leukaemia

Investigations include FBC, blood film, differential WCC; bone marrow aspiration and trephine biopsy; cell immunophenotyping and cytochemistry (tartrate resistant acid phosphatase) on blood and/or bone marrow aspirate.

Severe monocytopenia is common.