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Burkitt lymphoma is a name that describes a type of malignant neoplasms included in the group of non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. This type of cancer occurs mainly in young people: children and adolescents, living in the region of Equatorial Africa. In some cases, the development of Burkitt lymphoma is associated with deficiencies in the functioning of the immune system. This includes both acquired and congenital (genetically related) immunodeficiencies. In addition, it can be caused by exposure to ionizing radiation, certain chemicals, and infection with the Epstein-Barr virus, which is asymptomatic in most people.
What is Burkitt Lymphoma?
Burkitt lymphoma is divided into three subtypes: sporadic, endemic, and associated with an insufficient immune system. Endemic Burkitt’s lymphoma is found primarily in Africa, while the other two develop to a similar extent everywhere in the world.
Burkitt lymphoma develops very dynamically and quickly. It accounts for about 7 percent of all childhood cancer cases. Burkitt lymphoma was first described by surgeon Denis Burkitt, working in Africa in the mid-50s.
Development and Symptoms of Burkitt Lymphoma
Symptoms of Burkitt’s lymphoma can vary depending on the site of its occurrence. Most often, Burkitt’s lymphoma develops in the abdominal cavity or in its immediate vicinity. In this case, the person with Burkitt lymphoma will complain of abdominal pain or an eating disorder. Changes in the structure of the abdominal tissues, visible to the naked eye, may also occur. In this case, the circumference of the abdomen may increase significantly, and neoplastic tissues may be felt inside.
In the case of further development of Burkitt’s lymphoma, further ailments appear, which the affected person will complain about. First of all, the following should be mentioned:
- diarrhea
- vomiting,
- nausea,
- constipation
- loss of appetite
- intestinal perforation.
When Burkitt’s lymphoma is located in the mediastinum, its symptoms are related to the organs within it. Above all, the following should be mentioned: attacks of dyspnea and cough, which results from the compression of the tissues subjected to neoplastic changes on the organs of the respiratory tract – the lungs and bronchi.
When Burkitt’s lymphoma is located in the area of the tonsils, other ailments appear. Patients begin to snore extremely loudly during sleep, complain of difficulty breathing and swallowing food.
On the other hand, Burkitt’s lymphoma attacking the lymph nodes causes a marked distortion of the neck circumference. When lymphoma occurs within the oral cavity, pathological changes in the structure of the dentition may occur.
Diagnosis of Burkitt’s lymphoma
Due to the fact that Burkitt lymphoma mainly affects young people, the first diagnosis is usually made by a pediatrician. In this case, it is recommended to perform the following tests:
- blood count with smear and biochemical tests,
- general examination of a urine sample
- chest x-ray,
- computed tomography of the chest area,
- abdominal x-ray,
- ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity.
In addition, the doctor may decide to perform additional tests:
- bone marrow examination,
- bone scintigraphy,
- examination of the cerebrospinal fluid,
- echo of the heart,
- virological tests,
- ENT examinations.
Treatment and prognosis
It is important that Burkitt’s lymphoma is diagnosed as early as possible so that treatment can be started immediately and anticipates the further development of the cancer. General treatment consists of chemotherapy. During this procedure, patients are also administered medications to prevent dehydration and the occurrence of tumor lysis syndrome, which may result in kidney failure. The medications used include cyclophosphamide, vincristine, metatrexate, ifosfamide, etoposide, rituximab, doxorubicin, cytarabine, and prednisone.
The prognosis for Burkitt’s lymphoma varies with the age and immunity status of the individual patient. In addition, the location of the neoplasm and its size also affect the prognosis level. The prognosis for adults is lower than for children; for the latter, the healing rate varies between 60 and 90 percent. The prognosis is the least favorable in people diagnosed with problems in the functioning of the immune system.