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Alternative names Return to top
B-cell lymphoma; High-grade B-cell lymphoma; Small non-cleaved cell lymphomaDefinition 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
Signs and tests Return to top
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
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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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |