Burkitt's Lymphoma

Definition

Definition of Burkitt's Lymphoma
Burkitt's lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system (in particular, B lymphocytes). It is named after Denis Parsons Burkitt, a surgeon who first described the disease in 1956 while working in equatorial Africa.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Burkitt's Lymphoma
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.

Symptoms include:

1. Lymph nodes that grow together to form a lump
2. Nontender lymph nodes
3. Rapid growth of the lymph nodes
4. Unexplained swollen lymph nodes

Causes

Causes of Burkitt's Lymphoma
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.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Burkitt's Lymphoma

1. Bone marrow biopsy
2. Chest x-ray
3. CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis
4. Complete blood count (CBC)
5. Examination of the spinal fluid
6. Lymph node biopsy
7. PET scan

Treatment

Treatment of Burkitt's Lymphoma
Treatment includes dose-adjusted EPOCH with Rituxan (rituximab).

Effect of the chemotherapy, as with all cancers, depends on the time of diagnosis. With faster growing cancers, such as Burkitt's, the cancer actually responds faster than with slower growing cancers. This rapid response to chemotherapy can be hazardous to patient, as a phenomenon called "tumor lysis syndrome" could occur. Close monitoring of patient and adequate hydration is essential during the process.

Chemotherapy:

1. cyclophosphamide
2. doxorubicin
3. vincristine
4. methotrexate
5. cytarabine
6. ifosfamide
7. etoposide
8. rituximab

Other treatments are immunotherapy, bone marrow transplants, surgery to remove the tumor, and radiotherapy.

Prognosis

Prognosis of Burkitt's Lymphoma
Treatment with dose-adjusted EPOCH with Rituxan (rituximab) has shown an 8 year survival rate of 91% for low risk, 90% for low-intermediate risk, 67% for high-intermediate risk, and 31% for high risk cases with few of the side effects associated with Burkitt's lymphoma chemotherapy.

Prevention

Prevention of Burkitt's Lymphoma
Consult with your doctor.