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.
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Risk Factors
Conditions that possibly increase risk of developing hairy cell leukemia include:
- Exposure to high dose ionizing radiations
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- 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