Index
It is a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system helps your body fight infections.
Burkitt’s lymphoma is more common in children who live in sub-Saharan Africa, where it is related to the Epstein-Barry virus chronic malaria.
Burkitt’s lymphoma is also seen in other places, including the United States. Out of Africa, Burkitt’s lymphoma is more likely to occur in people who have a compromised immune system.
symptom
Burkitt’s lymphoma can cause fever, weight loss, and night sweats. Other symptoms of Burkitt’s lymphoma vary by type.
Sporadic Burkitt’s lymphoma
Symptoms of sporadic Burkitt’s lymphoma include:
- Abdominal swelling
- Distortion of the facial bones.
- Night sweats.
- Intestinal obstruction.
- An enlarged thyroid.
- Enlarged tonsils
Burkitt endemic lymphoma
The symptoms of endemic Burkitt lymphoma include:
- Swelling and distortion of the facial bones.
- The rapid growth of the lymph nodes.
Enlarged lymph nodes are not sensitive. The tumors can grow extremely fast, sometimes doubling their size in 18 hours.
Lymphoma related to HIV
The symptoms of HIV-related lymphoma are similar to those of the sporadic type.
Causes
The exact cause of Burkitt’s lymphoma is unknown. The risk factors vary according to the geographical location. Studies suggest that Burkitt’s lymphoma is the most common childhood cancer in regions with a high malaria incidence, such as Africa. Elsewhere, the most significant risk factors are HIV and AIDS.
Types
Three types of Burkitt’s lymphoma are sporadic, endemic, and related to immunodeficiency. The types differ depending on the geographical location and the affected body parts.
Sporadic Burkitt’s lymphoma
Sporadic Burkitt’s lymphoma occurs outside of Africa but is rare in other parts of the world. Sometimes it is associated with EBV. It tends to affect the lower part of the abdomen, where the small intestine ends and the large intestine begins.
Burkitt endemic lymphoma
Burkitt’s lymphoma is most frequently seen in Africa, near the equator, associated with chronic malaria and EBV infection. The facial bone and jaw are affected more frequently. But the small intestine, kidneys, ovaries, and sinuses may also be involved.
Related to immunodeficiency
This type of Burkitt’s lymphoma is associated with immunosuppressive drugs such as those used to prevent rejection of transplants and treat HIV and AIDS.
Risk factor’s
Burkitt’s lymphoma is more likely to affect children. It is rare in adults. The disease is more common in men and people with compromised immune systems, such as those who have HIV or AIDS. The incidence is more significant in:
- North Africa.
- The middle east.
- South America.
- Papua New Guinea.
Sporadic and endemic forms are associated with EBV infection. Viral infections transmitted by insects and herbal extracts that promote tumor growth are possible contributing factors.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of Burkitt’s lymphoma begins with a medical history and a physical examination. A tumor biopsy confirms the diagnosis. The bone marrow and the central nervous system are often involved. Bone marrow and spinal fluid are usually examined to see how far cancer has spread.
Burkitt’s lymphoma is staged according to the involvement of lymph nodes and organs. The involvement of the bone marrow or central nervous system means that it has stage 4. A CT scan and an MRI can help identify which organs and lymph nodes are involved.
Treatment
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
Treatment with monoclonal antibodies with rituximab can be combined with chemotherapy. Radiation treatment can also be used with chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy drugs are injected directly into the cerebrospinal fluid to prevent cancer from spreading to the central nervous system. This injection method is known as “intrathecal.” Patients receiving intensive chemotherapy have the best treatment results.
Treatment is usually less aggressive and less successful in countries with limited medical resources. Children with Burkitt’s lymphoma have the best prognosis. The presence of intestinal obstruction requires surgery.
What is the long-term forecast?
The result depends on the stage at the time of diagnosis. The prognosis is often worse in adults over 40, but treatment for adults has improved in recent years.
