Lymphomas are cancers of the lymph system. The lymph system drains excess fluid from cells and it also is where the immune system develops new white blood cells. Lymphomas typically begin as cancers of the lymph nodes and can be very aggressive. Burkitt's lymphoma is one kind of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that typically affects children and adults with weak immune systems.
Forms
As Lymphomation.org explains, there are three different forms of Burkitt's lymphoma. One form is called endemic lymphoma and it typically affects children in equatorial Africa. In the United States, the most common form of Burkitt's is called sporadic Burkitt's lymphoma. Patients with weakened immune systems can also develop immunodeficient Burkitt's lymphoma.
Endemic
According to MedlinePlus, the endemic form of Burkitt's lymphoma is commonly associated with infections from the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV is also responsible for causing mononucleosis. Endemic Burkitt's typically begins as a tumor that forms in the jaw of affected patients.
Sporadic
Sporadic Burkitt's lymphoma is the term used to describe cases of Burkitt's that occur in non-African patients with healthy immune systems. According to the American Cancer Society, this form of Burkitt's typically starts in the abdomen, though it can also develop in the testis, ovary or other organs. When the lymphoma begins in the abdomen, it usually forms a large mass.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The initial symptoms of Burkitt's lymphoma typically involve swollen lymph nodes. The disease can be diagnosed by taking a biopsy of the affected lymph nodes. Blood tests to measure white blood cell levels and bone marrow biopsies may also be done to help confirm that the lymphoma is of the Burkitt's variety. Chest X-rays and analysis of the spinal fluid can be used to determine if the cancer is spreading.
Treatment
Because Burkitt's lymphoma is an aggressively spreading cancer, it is typically treated with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is an effective treatment because it can poison cancer cells anywhere in the body. MedlinePlus notes that prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and doxorubicin are some commonly used chemotherapeutic drugs for this type of lymphoma.
