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Burkitt lymphoma
Definition
Burkitt lymphoma is a very fast growing form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Alternative Names
B-cell lymphoma; High-grade B-cell lymphoma
Causes
Burkitt lymphoma was first discovered in children in certain parts of Africa, but it also occurs in the United States.
The African type of Burkitt lymphoma is closely associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the main cause of infectious mononucleosis. The North American form of Burkitt lymphoma is not linked to EBV.
People with HIV have an increased risk for this condition. Burkitt lymphoma is most often seen in males.
Symptoms
Burkitt lymphoma may first be noticed as a swelling of the lymph nodes (glands) in the neck, groin, or under the arm. These swollen lymph nodes are often painless, but can grow very rapidly.
In the types commonly seen in the United States, the cancer usually starts in the belly area (abdomen). The disease can also start in the ovaries, testes, brain, and spinal fluid.
Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Unexplained swollen lymph nodes
- Unexplained weight loss
Exams and Tests
- Bone marrow biopsy
- Chest x-ray
- CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Examination of the spinal fluid
- Lymph node biopsy
- PET scan
Treatment
Chemotherapy is used to treat this type of cancer. Commonly used medicines include prednisone, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, vincristine, cytarabine, doxorubicin, methotrexate, and etoposide.
Outlook (Prognosis)
More than half of those with Burkitt lymphoma can be cured with intensive chemotherapy. The cure rate may be lower if the cancer spreads to the bone marrow or spinal fluid. The outlook is poor if the cancer comes back after a remission.
Possible Complications
- Complications of treatment (radiation therapy or chemotherapy)
- Spread of the cancer
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of Burkitt lymphoma.
References
Bierman PJ, Armitage JO. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 191.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network. National Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. 2012. Version 2.2012.
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.
