Burkitt's Lymphoma

Burkitt’s lymphoma is a type of aggressive B-cell lymphoma. This condition is most commonly observed in young people and divided into three types:

·         Endemic – this is commonly seen in children living in Africa. Usually, this type of Burkitt’s lymphoma affects the facial bones such as the jaw, the intestines such as the distal ileum and cecum. Other abdominal parts such as the ovaries and kidneys can also be affected.  

·         Sporadic/Non-African – found outside of Africa and affects the same parts as that of the endemic variety. 

·         Immunodeficiency associated – this type of Burkitt’s lymphoma is usually seen in HIV patients or patients taking immune-suppressive drugs,

Along with the stated associated factors, Burkitt’s lymphoma is highly connected with Epstein-Barr virus and malaria. The virus creates a mutation inside the B-cells, a type of lymphocyte found in the immune system. Exposure to malaria weakens the cells’ resistance to the effects of the virus, making it one of the predominant forms of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in African children. 

Usually, swollen lymph nodes are seen in the neck area that quickly spread in other lymph nodes via lymphatic circulation. The nodes are more than 10 cm in size, and can cause obstruction and deformity. The nodes are rubbery and non-tender. Being an aggressive type of NHL, Burkitt’s lymphoma can easily spread through the nervous system and can cause weakness and paralysis. Other symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, night sweats, unexplained fever and weight loss. Malignancies in certain body parts can compromise organ function. For example, if a lymphoma is located at the spleen, anemia can result for the capacity of the spleen to store red blood cells has been affected. 

Cure of Burkitt’s lymphoma usually includes chemotherapy agents such as cytoxan, oncovin, and methotrexate. Aggressive therapy often shows promising effects on children, but close monitoring of the renal system is required. This system can be damaged both by the chemotherapeutic agents and onset of tumor lysis syndrome. The main goal of treatment is to prevent to prevent the disease from spreading further into the nervous system. When proper treatment is given, survival rate 90% guaranteed. It is important to undergo treatment once Burkitt’s lymphoma is confirmed for this condition gets worse rapidly and life threatening.