Learn about the three most important lines of latitude on Earth - the equator, Tropic of Cancer, and Tropic of Capricorn. Learn about the three most important lines of latitude on Earth - the equator, Tropic of Cancer, and Tropic of Capricorn.
General Discussion. Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a rare type of blood cancer characterized by abnormal changes in white blood cells known as B lymphocytes. The bone marrow creates too many of these defective cells, known as hairy cells because of the thin hair-like projections found on their surface.
Causes. Acute myelogenous leukemia is caused by damage to the DNA of developing cells in your bone marrow. When this happens, blood cell production goes wrong. The bone marrow produces immature cells that develop into leukemic white blood cells called myeloblasts. These abnormal cells are unable to function properly, and they can build up and crowd out healthy cells. In most cases, it's not clear what causes the DNA mutations that lead to leukemia.