Hairy cell leukemia

In 24 patients with hairy cell leukemia, histological and fine structural findings from biopsies of the bone marrow are reported and their validity is compared with other diagnostic procedures available. Diagnosis by light microscopy of anterior iliac crest biopsies obtained by the method of myelotomy is possible with a high degree of accuracy. The differentiation of hairy cell leukemia from other myelo- or lymphoproliferative disorders based on cytomorphology as well as patterns of growth is emphasized. Morphological differences between fibrosis in this entity and other lesions such as malignant lymphomas, Hodgkin's disease, osteomyelofibrosis and -sclerosis are emphasized.