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Burkitt's Lymphoma


Introduction
Burkitt lymphoma is a form of cancer that primarily affects children living in certain areas of Africa. Burkitt lymphoma is also found in North America, but it is rare. Adults can also be affected.
What is going on in the body?
Burkitt lymphoma occurs when a specialized white blood cell called the B-lymphocyte undergoes cancerous changes. The cells begin to grow and multiply out of control. The cancerous cells form tumors. Burkitt lymphoma is aggressive. This means that once it develops, it can grow quickly.
There are two types of Burkitt lymphoma: the African form and the North American form. In the African form, tumors form under the jaw and in the abdomen. It is associated with an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. This is a common virus, and most people recover from it. However, in African children, Epstein-Barr virus causes cells to turn cancerous. No one is sure why. One theory is that children who have had malaria, which is common in Africa, have weakened immune systems. This may make their bodies more likely to respond this way to an Epstein-Barr virus infection.
The North American form of Burkitt lymphoma affects the bone marrow. Epstein-Barr virus is not a factor in this form of the disease. In North America, Epstein-Barr infections are associated with mononucleosis.
What are the causes and risks of the disease?
The exact cause of Burkitt lymphoma is unknown. Burkitt lymphoma seems to happen most often in persons who first have had a condition that weakens their immune systems, such as malaria or AIDS. Then, when these people come down with Epstein-Barr virus, Burkitt lymphoma occurs   

What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?
Symptoms of Burkitt lymphoma in Africa include:
  • extreme fatigue
  • swelling of lymph nodes around the jaw
  • swelling of lymph nodes in the abdomen
  • unexplained weight loss
    • Symptoms of Burkitt lymphoma in North America include:
  • being unable to fight infections. This is because the bone marrow undergoes cancerous changes and is unable to make cells to fight infection.
  • fatigue
  • weight loss

    • How is the disease diagnosed?
    Doctors diagnose the disease by analyzing a sample of cells from the swollen tissue in the jaw or abdomen. A piece of the swollen tissue, called a biopsy sample, is removed. Special stains and other tests are applied to the tissue. If these tests show Burkitt lymphoma, then the person will undergo other testing that helps the doctor figure out the extent of the cancer. This includes CT scans and a bone marrow biopsy.   

    What can be done to prevent the disease?
    Nothing can be done to prevent this cancer.
    What are the long-term effects of the disease?
    Burkitt lymphoma is an aggressive cancer. Once it appears, the cancerous cells grow very quickly. If it is not treated, Burkitt lymphoma leads to death.
    What are the risks to others?
    There is no risk to others from a person with Burkitt lymphoma or any other cancer


    Reference  
     Molina, A.; & Pezner, R.D.(1996). Non-Hodgkins lymphoma in Cancer Management: A Multidisciplinary Approach. PRR: Huntington, NY. Pp.226-256

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