hematology and oncology
Burkitt Lymphoma
Introduction
Burkitt lymphoma is an aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma occurring in children and adults. Endemic (African), sporadic (non-African), and immunodeficiency-related forms exist. (See also Overview of Lymphoma and Classic Burkitt lymphomais endemic in central Africa and constitutes 30% of childhood lymphomas in the US. The form endemic to Africa often manifests as enlargement of the jaw or facial bones. Insporadic (non-African) Burkitt lymphoma, abdominal disease predominates, often arising in the region of the ileocecal valve or the mesentery. Tumor may cause bowel obstruction. Extranodal sites such as the brain or other solid organs may also be involved. In adults, disease may be bulky and generalized, often with massive involvement of liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is often present at diagnosis or with relapsing lymphoma. gene on chromosome 8 and the immunoglobulin heavy chain of chromosome 14. The disease is closely associated with Infectious Mononucleosis in endemic lymphoma; however, it is uncertain whether Epstein-Barr virus plays an etiologic role. Burkitt lymphoma occurs frequently in patients with HIV/AIDS and is an 