Hairy Cell Leukemia

Healthcare providers will ask when your symptoms started and take a medical history, including whether you have infections that keep coming back. They’ll also do a physical examination. They may feel (palpitate) your lymph nodes, spleen and liver for signs of swelling.

They may refer you to a hematologist or medical oncologist for more tests that will lead to a diagnosis. These tests may include:

Complete blood count (CBC) with differential: This test measures the number of red and white blood cells and platelets. The differential measures the different types of white blood cells.
Peripheral blood smear: Pathologists examine blood cells under a microscope, looking for abnormal cells that have the tiny hair-like projections that give hairy cell leukemia its name.
Bone marrow aspiration and bone marrow biopsy: These tests detect abnormal cells in your bone marrow.
Computed tomography (CT) scan: CT scans make detailed pictures of areas inside your body. Your provider may order this test or an abdominal ultrasound to check the size of your spleen, liver and lymph nodes.
Flow cytometry: Pathologists check your blood and bone marrow for signs of abnormal hairy cells. They check the cells’ size and shape and look for tumor markers. Tumor markers may refer to proteins that cancerous cells make.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

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