Burkitt Lymphoma-What is It, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

Introduction

Burkitt lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects white cells and impacts the lymphatic system. It represents a fast-growing or high-grade lymphoma that needs immediate attention and timely treatment. Moreover, most physicians choose chemotherapy as the treatment option.

Furthermore, knowing about the symptoms is essential for timely detection and diagnosis, which can help slow the progression of the disease. Therefore, this article explores the causes, symptoms, treatment methods, and preventive measures for this high-grade lymph node tumor.

What is Burkitt Lymphoma?

This lymphoma is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma affecting around 2% of the UK population. This figure is more common among children than in adults. Moreover, talking about genders, males are at greater risk of developing this condition than females.

This lymphoma is a rare yet highly aggressive form of lymph node tumor that starts its cycle in the immune system’s B-cells. It represents a rapid increase in the mass population of cells and it may spreads to multiple organs too including liver, bone marrow, central nervous system, etc. There are three primary types:

Endemic Lymphoma – Common in Africa, strongly linked to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and mainly affects children.

Sporadic Lymphoma – Found worldwide, especially in the U.S. and Europe, but not linked as strongly to EBV.

Immunodeficiency-Associated Lymphoma – Occurs in people with weakened immune systems, particularly those with HIV/AIDS or organ transplants.

The critical part is that this form of aggressive immune system cancer can increase in size by 2 times within 24-48 hours. Therefore, it is necessary to detect the condition before it spreads and damages other organs.

Types of Burkitt lymphoma

This lymphoma is classified into three main types: sporadic, immunodeficiency-related, and endemic. The following section focuses on the sporadic and immunodeficiency-related forms.

Endemic Burkitt Lymphoma

Endemic Lymphoma is most prevalent among children in Africa. Research suggests that both malaria and EBV may play significant roles in its development. Unlike the other two types, this variant is rarely seen in the UK.

Sporadic Burkitt Lymphoma

Sporadic Lymphoma is the most frequently diagnosed type in the UK. While it is occasionally associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)—the same virus responsible for glandular fever (mononucleosis)—it is essential to note that EBV is widespread. Many individuals carry the virus without ever developing lymphoma, indicating that other factors likely contribute to the disease.

Immunodeficiency-Related Burkitt Lymphoma

• This form of Lymphoma occurs in individuals with weakened immune systems. It primarily affects those who:
• Have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which compromises immune function.
• Have undergone organ transplantation and require immunosuppressive medications to prevent rejection.

A suppressed immune system makes it more difficult for the body to regulate abnormal cell growth, increasing the risk of developing this lymphoma.

What Causes Burkitt Lymphoma?

Researchers have identified multiple factors that contribute to what causes Burkitt Lymphoma:

• Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV): Strongly associated with the endemic form, EBV infection increases the risk of abnormal B-cell growth.
• Weakened Immune System: Conditions like HIV/AIDS or immunosuppressive treatments increase susceptibility.
• Genetic Mutations: MYC gene alterations lead to uncontrolled cell growth.
• Environmental Factors: Malaria exposure may play a role in endemic cases.

Since this cancer progresses rapidly, individuals at risk should undergo regular medical check-ups to catch potential early signs.

Burkitt Lymphoma Symptoms

Early recognition is the key to identifying Burkitt Lymphoma symptoms and ensuring timely intervention. The common symptoms seen in most cases include:

Swollen cervical lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin.

• Severe abdominal swelling and pain due to intestinal involvement.
• Unexplained weight loss and persistent fatigue.
• Fever and night sweats.
• Difficulty breathing if the disease spreads to the lungs.
• Facial bone deformities in endemic cases.

In some cases, bulky lymphoma disease may develop, where tumors grow extensively, making treatment more challenging.

Diagnosing Burkitt Lymphoma

To confirm this lymphoma diagnosis, doctors rely on a biopsy as the primary test. During this procedure, a medical professional removes a sample from the affected area, often by extracting part or all of a swollen lymph node. The sample is then analyzed in a laboratory, where a specialist examines it under a microscope to detect cancerous cells. In some cases, additional biopsies may be taken from other areas of the body to ensure accurate diagnosis.

Alongside a biopsy, doctors typically order blood tests to gather more information about the patient’s condition.

If this lymphoma is confirmed, further testing is usually required to assess the extent of the disease. These tests may include:

• PET-CT scan – Helps visualize the spread of lymphoma throughout the body.
• Bone marrow test – Determines if lymphoma cells are present in the bone marrow.
• MRI scan – Provides detailed images of the head or spine, particularly if neurological involvement is suspected.
• Lumbar puncture – Examines the cerebrospinal fluid to check for lymphoma cells around the brain and spinal cord.

These tests play a main role in staging the disease and guiding treatment decisions.

Burkitt Lymphoma Treatment Options

Due to its aggressive nature, Burkitt Lymphoma treatment involves intensive therapies designed to stop rapid tumor growth.

• Chemotherapy – The cornerstone of treatment, using high-dose regimens such as CODOX-M/IVAC.
• Immunotherapy – Immunotherapy, like Rituximab, specifically targets cancerous B-cells.
• Radiation Therapy – Occasionally used when the central nervous system is involved.
• Stem Cell Transplant – Reserved for relapsed or treatment-resistant cases.
• Supportive Care – Includes hydration, blood transfusions, and medications to prevent infections.

Early initiation of treatment significantly improves survival rates, with pediatric patients having an 80-90% cure rate.

Prognosis and Survival Rates

The prognosis of this lymphoma cancer depends on factors like age, disease stage, and response to treatment. When diagnosed early, survival rates are promising. However, delayed treatment can lead to complications, especially in low-resource settings.

Some related conditions, such as MALT Lymphoma, Primary Mediastinal B-Cell Lymphoma, and T-Cell Lymphoma, share overlapping symptoms. So, a precise diagnosis becomes even more pressing for the best treatment approach.

Prevention Strategies

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent this lymphoma, there are proven methods that can reduce the risk.

• Prevent Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infections by practicing good hygiene and avoiding saliva-sharing habits.
• Reduce HIV risk through safe sex practices and routine screenings.
• Avoid prolonged immune suppression whenever possible.

Ongoing clinical trials of Mantle Cell Lymphoma and clinical trials of Diffuse Large B-cell lymphoma are exploring innovative treatments that may also benefit this lymphoma patient.

Conclusion

To conclude, Burkitt Lymphoma is a highly aggressive but treatable lymph node tumor, if detected early. Recognizing Burkitt Lymphoma symptoms and understanding what causes Burkitt Lymphoma can help individuals seek timely medical attention. Current Burkitt Lymphoma treatment approaches, including immunotherapy vs chemotherapy, have significantly improved survival rates.

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