Burkitt lymphoma
B-cell lymphoma; High-grade B-cell lymphoma; Small noncleaved cell lymphoma; Burkitt's lymphoma
Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a very fast growing form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
The lymphatic system filters fluid from around cells. It is an important part of the immune system. When people refer to swollen glands in the neck, they are usually referring to swollen lymph nodes. Common areas where lymph nodes can be easily felt, especially if they are enlarged, are the groin, armpits (axilla), above the clavicle (supraclavicular), in the neck (cervical), and the back of the head just above hairline (occipital).
This abdominal CT scan shows tumor masses (malignant lymphomas) in the area behind the peritoneal cavity (retroperitoneal space).
Causes
BL was first discovered in children in certain parts of Africa. It also occurs in the United States.
The African type of BL is closely associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the main cause of infectious mononucleosis. The North American form of BL is not commonly linked to EBV.
People with HIV/AIDS have an increased risk for this condition. BL is most often seen in males.
Symptoms
BL may first be noticed as a swelling of the lymph nodes (glands) in the head and neck. These swollen lymph nodes are often painless, but can grow very rapidly.
In the types commonly seen in the United States, the cancer often starts in the belly area (abdomen). The disease can also start in the ovaries, testes, brain, kidneys, liver, and spinal fluid.
Other general symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will perform a physical exam. Tests that may be done include:
- Bone marrow biopsy
- Chest x-ray
- CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Examination of the spinal fluid
- Lymph node biopsy
- MRI of the abdomen or other affected body area
- PET scan
Treatment
Chemotherapy is used to treat this type of cancer. If the cancer does not respond to chemotherapy alone, a bone marrow transplant may be done.
Outlook (Prognosis)
More than one half of people with BL can be cured with intensive chemotherapy. The cure rate may be lower if the cancer spreads to the bone marrow or spinal fluid. The outlook is poor if the cancer comes back after a remission or does not go into remission as a result of the first cycle of chemotherapy.
Possible Complications
Possible complications of BL include:
- Complications of treatment
- Spread of the cancer
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your provider if you have symptoms of BL.
References
Abramson JS. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 103.
National Cancer Institute website. B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatment (PDQ) - health professional version.
Said JW. Immunodeficiency-related lymphoproliferative disorders. In: Hsi ED, ed. Hematopathology: Foundations of Diagnostic Pathology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 10.
Schooley RT, Allen UD. Epstein-Barr virus infection. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 348.
Version Info
Last reviewed on: 6/17/2024
Reviewed by: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
