Burkitt lymphoma & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is Burkitt's lymphoma?

Burkitt lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, where the cancer starts from immune cells called B cells. Known as the fastest growing human tumor, Burkitt lymphoma is associated with impaired immunity and can become fatal quickly if left untreated. However, intensive chemotherapy can provide long-term survival in more than half of Burkitt's lymphoma sufferers.

There are three main types of Burkitt's lymphoma:

• Endemic: occurs mainly in equatorial Africa. This malignant condition is most common in children in the area. This condition is associated with chronic malaria and the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). This condition affects the jaw, other facial bones, distal ileum, caecum, ovaries, kidneys or breast.
• Sporadic: occurring outside of Africa, also associated with EBV but to a lesser extent. Most often it affects the ileocaecal and rarely affects the jaw.
• Immunodeficiency (lymphoma associated with HIV) is usually associated with HIV infection or use of immunosuppressive drugs.

How common is Burkitt's lymphoma?

Burkitt's lymphoma is most common in children living in sub-Saharan Africa, where it is associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and chronic malaria. Burkitt lymphoma is also found in other areas, including America. Outside Africa, this condition is most common in people with vulnerable immune systems.

However, Burkitt's lymphoma can be treated by reducing the risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of Burkitt's lymphoma?

Burkitt lymphoma can cause:

• Painless swollen lymph glands in the neck, armpits or groin
• Stomach pain or abdominal swelling
• Chest pain, cough or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Lose weight
• Night sweats.

Other symptoms of Burkitt's lymphoma vary with type.

Sporadic Burkitt lymphoma

Symptoms of sporadic Burkitt lymphoma include:

• Stomach ache
• Distortion of the facial bones
• Night sweats
• Bowel obstruction
• Swelling of the thyroid
• Enlarged tonsils

Endemic Burkitt lymphoma

Symptoms of endemic Burkitt lymphoma include:

• Swelling
• Distortion of the facial bones
• Rapid growth of the lymph glands.

Enlarged lymph glands are painless. Tumors can develop very quickly, sometimes enlarging by 2 times in 18 hours.

Lymphoma associated with HIV

The symptoms of lymphoma associated with HIV resemble those of the sporadic type.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes Burkitt's lymphoma?

Doctors are still unsure what causes Burkitt's lymphoma.

Burkitt's lymphoma occurs when the body produces too many abnormal lymphocytes - a type of white blood cell. Research shows that Burkitt's lymphoma is the most common type of cancer in children in areas where there is a high incidence of malaria, such as Africa.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for Burkitt's lymphoma?

In most cases, people diagnosed with Burkitt's lymphoma have no clear risk factors, and many people who have risk factors for the disease never have them. Some of the factors that can increase the risk of Burkitt's lymphoma are:

• Medicines: Medicines suppress your immune system. If you have had an organ transplant in the past, you are more vulnerable because immunosuppressive therapy has decreased the body's ability to fight new diseases.
• Infection with certain viruses and bacteria: Certain viral and bacterial infections have been seen to increase the risk of Burkitt's lymphoma. Viruses associated with Burkitt's lymphoma include HIV and Epstein-Barr virus. The bacteria associated with an increased risk for Burkitt's lymphoma include Helicobacter pylori which causes ulcers.
• Chemicals: Certain chemicals, such as those used to kill insects and weeds, can increase your risk of getting Burkitt's lymphoma. More research is needed to understand the possible link between pesticides and the development of Burkitt's lymphoma.

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is Burkitt's lymphoma diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Burkitt's lymphoma begins with a medical history and physical examination. A tumor biopsy will then confirm the diagnosis. The bone marrow and central nervous system are often used. Bone marrow and spinal fluid are usually checked to see how far the cancer has spread.

What are the treatments for Burkitt's lymphoma?

Burkitt lymphoma combined with chemotherapy for treatment. The chemotherapy agents used in the treatment of Burkitt's lymphoma include:

• Cytarabine
• Cyclophosphamide
• Doxorubicin
• Vincristine
• Methotrexate
• Etoposide

Chemotherapy drugs are injected directly into the spinal fluid to prevent the cancer from spreading to the central nervous system. This injection method is classified as "intrathecal". Patients who receive intensive chemotherapy generally get the best treatment results.

In countries with limited medical resources, treatment is rarely successful. Children with Burkitt's lymphoma have the best prognosis. Any bowel obstruction requires surgery.

Other treatments for Burkitt's lymphoma can include intensive chemotherapy and in combination with:

• Rituximab (Rituxan), a monoclonal antibody that attaches to proteins in cancer cells and stimulates the immune system to attack cancer cells
• Autologous stem cell transplant, in which the patient's stem cells are removed, stored and returned to the body
• Radiation therapy
• Steroid therapy

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat Burkitt's lymphoma?

Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with Burkitt's lymphoma:

• You have to get a vaccine shot for EBV.
• You should also get a vaccine shot for malaria, to prevent Burkitt's lymphoma.
• If you think you have any of the above symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.