Hairy Cell Leukemia : Spleen
Image Description
Higher magnification showing clusters of monotonous-appearing hairy cells adjoining blood lakes. The nuclei of hairy cells are small, round, or oval, with irregular contours and have inconspicuous nucleoli. The presence of clear or light pink cytoplasm around centrally placed nucleus creates a fried-egg appearance.
Presence of such cells as well as pools of blood in the red pulp are important diagnostic features. Electron microscopy shows cytoplasmic villi which appear hair-like on light microscopy, giving the cell its name. Hairy cells have a mature B-cell phenotype and express pan B-cell antigens.
Presence of such cells as well as pools of blood in the red pulp are important diagnostic features. Electron microscopy shows cytoplasmic villi which appear hair-like on light microscopy, giving the cell its name. Hairy cells have a mature B-cell phenotype and express pan B-cell antigens.