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.

Electron microscopy of the bone marrow shows single fibroblastic cells with numerous slender cytoplasmic processes randomly dispersed among the hairy cells. These fibroblasts are probably responsible for the synthesis of the reticulin and collagen fibres in their surroundings. Moreover fine structure of the hairy cells demonstrates pinocytic activity but no apparent phagocytosis in contrast to the phagocytic reticulum cells (histiocytes, macrophages). In the bone marrow the precursor cells and the many immature forms of hairy cells exhibit an overall lymphocytoid appearance during their maturation, suggesting a lymphocytic origin.