Causes and Risk Factors of Hairy Cell Leukemia
Hairy cell leukemia appears to have a genetic background. Some environmental factors may also increase the risk of suffering from the cancer.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of hairy cell leukemia is unknown; but it appears to have a genetic background. Hairy cell leukemia has been associated with mutations in the BRAF gene and over expression of cyclin D1 protein. The immature B-cells infiltrate the bone marrow and spleen. This affects the production of other blood cells, thereby resulting in some of the symptoms of the leukemia.
Risk Factors
Conditions that possibly increase risk of developing hairy cell leukemia include:
- Exposure to high dose ionizing radiations
- Long term exposure to organic solvents such as benzene, other aromatic solvents, petroleum products and agricultural pesticides
- Exposure to wood and sawdust
- Family history of hairy cell leukemia or any other malignant blood disorders
- Presence of non-malignant disorders such as myelofibrosis, bone marrow aplasia, amyloidosis and granulomatous diseases
