MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Burkitt lymphoma

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Burkitt lymphoma

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Support Groups Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider

Illustrations

Lymphatic system

Lymphoma, malignant - CT scan

Alternative names Return to top

B-cell lymphoma; High-grade B-cell lymphoma; Small non-cleaved cell lymphoma

Definition Return to top

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

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

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 Return to top

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 Return to top

Lymph node biopsy
Bone scan
Chest x-ray
Bone marrow biopsy
Pleural fluid analysis
Peritoneal fluid analysis
CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis
Cerebral spinal fluid analysis
PET or gallium scan

Treatment Return to top

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 Return to top

The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

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 Return to top

Complications of treatment (radiation therapy or chemotherapy)
Spread of the cancer

Calling your health care provider Return to top

Call your health care provider if you note any of the symptoms listed here, or if you have questions about Burkitt lymphoma.

Update Date: 8/3/2004

Updated by: Marcia S. Brose, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Hematology/Oncology, The University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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