A role for radiation in the treatment of hairy cell leukemia complicated by massive lymphadenopathy: a case report.

A patient with leukemic reticuloendotheliosis is described who two years following splenectomy developed massive retroperitoneal, abdominal, and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Therapeutic intervention was necessary because the bulky tumor masses produced disabling pain in the back and chest regions. Low-dose radiation to the involved fields produced prompt regression of the adenopathy along with dramatic pain relief. This case suggests that hairy cells may be quite sensitive to radiation, and this therapeutic modality should be considered, especially when local problems are present.