All of the following statements about Hairy cell leukaemia are true except –
**Core Concept**
Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a rare, chronic lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by the accumulation of abnormal B lymphocytes in the bone marrow, spleen, and liver. The malignant cells in HCL exhibit distinctive "hairy" projections on their surface, which are thought to be involved in the disease's pathophysiology.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer will be the option that does not accurately describe a characteristic of HCL. HCL is typically associated with a spectrum of clinical and laboratory findings, including splenomegaly, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated levels of serum immunoglobulins. The disease is often diagnosed incidentally in patients undergoing bone marrow biopsy for unrelated reasons.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:**
This option may be incorrect if it inaccurately describes a feature of HCL. For example, if it states that HCL is a myeloproliferative disorder, which is incorrect because it is actually a lymphoproliferative disorder.
**Option B:**
This option may be incorrect if it inaccurately describes a treatment or prognosis associated with HCL. For example, if it states that HCL is resistant to all forms of chemotherapy, which is incorrect because HCL is typically responsive to treatments such as cladribine and pentostatin.
**Option C:**
This option may be incorrect if it inaccurately describes a characteristic of HCL. For example, if it states that HCL is typically associated with a high white blood cell count, which is incorrect because HCL is often diagnosed in patients with a normal or mildly elevated white blood cell count.
**Option D:**
This option may be incorrect if it inaccurately describes a feature of HCL. For example, if it states that HCL is a common cause of leukemia, which is incorrect because HCL is a rare form of leukemia.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key clinical feature of HCL is the presence of splenomegaly, which can be detected on physical examination or imaging studies. The spleen may be palpably enlarged or may be visible on abdominal radiographs or CT scans. Splenectomy may be considered in patients with significant splenomegaly or hypersplenism.
**Correct Answer:** A. This answer is correct because it is the option that does not accurately describe a characteristic of HCL.