2
4
5
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Lymphatic system
Lymphatic system
Lymphoma, malignant - CT scan
Lymphoma, malignant - CT scan

Burkitt lymphoma
Definition:
Burkitt lymphoma is a lymph gland tumor classified as a non-Hodgkin's type of lymphoma.

Alternative Names:
B-cell lymphoma; High-grade B-cell lymphoma; Small non-cleaved cell lymphoma

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

This type of tumor was first discovered in Africa, but it has now been found in the U.S. as well.

African Burkitt lymphoma is closely associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the primary cause of infectious mononucleosis. The American form of Burkitt lymphoma is less closely associated with EBV. Both types of tumor are caused by defective immune cells called B lymphocytes.

Burkitt lymphoma may first be noticed as a swelling of the lymph nodes (glands) in the neck or below the jaw. These swollen lymph nodes are often painless and can grow very rapidly. The disease can also begin in other locations.

The cause of Burkitt lymphoma is not known, but in the African type of Burkitt lymphoma there is a strong association with early childhood infection by the Epstein-Barr virus.
Symptoms:
  • unexplained swollen lymph nodes in the neck or below jaw
  • non-tender nodes
  • rapid growth of the lymph nodes
  • nodes that grow together to form a mat
Signs and tests:
Treatment:
Treatment of this cancer requires use of anti-cancer medicines (chemotherapy). Many medicines effectively treat Burkitt lymphoma, but most treatment plans include combinations of prednisone, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, cytarabine, doxorubicin, methotrexate, and related chemotherapy medicines.
Support Groups:
The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems.
Expectations (prognosis):
Burkitt lymphoma is usually curable if treated aggressively with chemotherapy. If the cancer involves only a small area of lymph nodes, the cure rate is over 90%. If it has spread to the bone marrow or spinal fluid, the cure rate drops to about 75%.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if you note any of the symptoms listed here, or if you have questions about Burkitt lymphoma.
Review Date: 8/3/2002
Reviewed By: Scott Howard, M.D., M.S., Memphis, TN. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com