About this topic
Burkitt lymphoma, or BL, is a kind of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Lymphoma is a type of cancer and is broken down into Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin types, based on the kind of white blood cells involved. Lymphoma starts in the lymphatic system. This system includes the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus gland, and bone marrow. Your body has white blood cells that protect you from infection and disease. When you have lymphoma, these cells grow out of control or live longer than normal.
What are the causes?
Doctors do not know what causes BL. Normally, your white blood cells die and are replaced with new ones. With BL, your white blood cells dont die, but continue to grow and divide. These cells build up in the lymph nodes causing them to swell.
What can make this more likely to happen?
BL is more likely to happen in males. It sometimes goes along with the Epstein " Barr virus. You may be at a higher risk for this illness if you have HIV or AIDS. Certain kinds of BL are also more common in the United Kingdom, Africa, and New Guinea.
What are the main signs?
- Swollen area that may grow quickly
- May be in the lymph nodes in the neck, groin, or armpit
- May be in the jaw or belly
- Breathing problems, wheezing, or coughing
- Trouble swallowing, loss of appetite, weight loss
- Fever, night sweats
- Pain in your bones or chest
- Feeling tired
- Rashes
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor may order:
- Lab tests
- X-rays
- CT scan
- Biopsy of the swollen area
- PET scan
- Bone marrow biopsy
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Your treatment will be based on the type of cancer cells that are found. Treatment will also be based on the size and if the tumor has spread. Doctors treat lymphoma with drugs like chemo or immunotherapy. In some cases, surgery or a bone marrow or stem cell transplant may be needed. Doctors may also treat BL with radiation therapy.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to:
- Treat the cancer
- Help with pain
- Help with side effects from chemo
- Prevent an upset stomach or throwing up
- Give you more energy if red blood cell counts are low
- Prevent infection
- Help enhance your immune system
Will surgery be needed?
You may need surgery to place a special kind of IV to have your chemo treatments.
Helpful tips
Join a support group. Support can help you understand and deal with your illness.
Where can I learn more?
American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/non-hodgkinlymphomainchildren/detailedguide/non-hodgkin-lymphoma-in-children-non-hodgkin-lymphomain-children
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
http://www.lls.org/lymphoma/non-hodgkin-lymphoma
National Cancer Institute
http://www.cancer.gov/types/lymphoma/patient/child-nhl-treatment-pdq#section/all
Last Reviewed Date
2015-08-05
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