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.
As with many cancers, the cause of hairy cell leukemia is unknown. Exposure to tobacco smoke, ionizing radiation, or industrial chemicals (with the possible exception of diesel) does not appear to increase the risk of developing HCL. Farming and gardening appear to increase the risk of HCL in some studies.