Burkitt’s lymphoma

What is Burkitt’s lymphoma?

Burkitt lymphoma is a rare B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is extremely aggressive (fast-growing) (NHL). The jaw, central nervous system, gut, kidneys, ovaries, and other organs may be affected by this condition. Burkitt lymphoma can spread to the brain and spinal cord (CNS).

Burkitt lymphoma is characterised by a translocation (a form of rearrangement) of a gene called MYC, making this a crucial finding for diagnosis. Burkitt lymphoma is commonly confused with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), another severe B-cell lymphoma in adults. Because Burkitt lymphoma and DLBCL are treated differently, an accurate diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma is crucial. As a result, it is strongly advised that patients seek the advice of a lymphoma expert.

Types of Burkitt lymphoma

Endemic Burkitt lymphoma

Burkitt lymphoma is a type of lymphoma that is only found in Africa. It is the most prevalent kind of Burkitt lymphoma, as well as the most common malignancy in children. It is 50 times more common in equatorial Africa and New Guinea than in the United States. The jaw is the most common site of endemic illness. The endemic form of Burkitt lymphoma has been linked to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

Sporadic Burkitt lymphoma

Sporadic Burkitt lymphoma is a type of lymphoma that can be found anywhere on the planet. This kind of B-cell NHL is seen in fewer than 1% of adult B-cell NHLs, but it accounts for 30% of all juvenile lymphomas in the United States and Western Europe. The most prevalent site of disease development is an abdominal tumour.

Immunodeficiency-related Burkitt lymphoma

Immunodeficiency-related Burkitt lymphoma subtype is most common in patients who have the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). Patients with hereditary immune weaknesses or those who take immunosuppressive medicines to prevent rejection after an organ transplant are also at risk.

Symptoms of Burkitt’s lymphoma

The symptoms of sporadic Burkitt’s lymphoma include:

• abdominal swelling
• distortion of facial bones
• night sweats
• intestinal obstruction
• an enlarged thyroid
• enlarged tonsils

Diagnosis of Burkitt’s lymphoma

A medical history and physical examination are used to diagnose Burkitt’s lymphoma. The diagnosis is confirmed by a tumour biopsy. The central nervous system and bone marrow are frequently involved. The cancer’s spread is usually determined by examining the bone marrow and spinal fluid.

Burkitt’s lymphoma is classified into stages based on the lymph node and organ involvement. Stage 4 is defined by the involvement of bone marrow or the central nervous system. A CT or MRI scan can be used to determine which organs and lymph nodes are implicated.

Treatment of Burkitt’s lymphoma

Burkitt’s lymphoma is usually treated with combination chemotherapy. Chemotherapy agents used in the treatment of Burkitt’s lymphoma include:

• cytarabine
• cyclophosphamide
• doxorubicin
• vincristine
• methotrexate
• etoposide

Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody, can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can potentially be combined with radiation therapy.

To keep the cancer from spreading to the central nervous system, chemotherapy medications are injected directly into the spinal fluid. The term “intrathecal” refers to this type of injection. The best outcomes have been linked to people who receive intense chemotherapy treatment.

Treatment is often less rigorous and successful in nations with low medical resources.

Burkitt’s lymphoma patients have been demonstrated to have the best prognosis.

The presence of an obstruction in the intestine necessitates surgery.