Burkitt’s Lymphoma

Introduction.                                                                    

Burkitt’s lymphoma is a rare, aggressive form of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cancer of the lymphoid tissue). It affects the lymphocytes (B-cells), and is seen most often in male children and young adults. The jaw, CNS, bowel, kidneys, ovaries, and other organs may be affected.

The Pathogen:

Epstein-Barr virus

Symptoms:  

sudden onset of and can include: painless swelling of lymph nodes, fever, sore throat, bone and joint pain, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, itching skin, recurring infections

Pathogenesis

Diagnosis:

biopsy of diseased site (bone marrow, lymph node)

Treatment: 

may include chemo/radiation therapy, surgery (tumor removal), stem cell transplant, medications (prednisone, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, vincristine, cytarabine, doxorubicin, methotrexate, etoposide)                                                                                 

References/Links

1. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001308.htm 
2. www.cancer.gov 
3. http://www.childrenshospital.org/az/Site2182/mainpageS2182P0.html
4.   http://www.webpathology.com/image.asp?n=15&Case=389

 Prepared by K. Moody