Because of the microscopical appearance - the cells have an abundant cytoplasm with broad-based projections or villi ("hairs"). On Sun, 01 Oct 2000 17:21:09 +0200 "Dr. M. Steiner" <[log in to unmask]> wrote: > Dear Colleagues, > > Having discussed a case of hairy cell leukaemia with a > technician, I was unable to answer a seemingly easy > question. Why are these cells (B lymphocytes if memory > serves me well) hairy? Any suggestions (or facts)? > > Sincerely, > > > Dr. med. Michael Steiner > University of Rostock > Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry > Ernst-Heydemann-Str. 6 > D-18057 Rostock > GERMANY ----------------------------------- pamela riches [log in to unmask] St. George's Hospital Medical School Opinions expressed those of the author and not the institution %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%