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Burkitt's Lymphoma
OVERVIEW: Burkitt's lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system that may involve sites other than lymph nodes, particularly bone marrow and the central nervous system.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: • Mouth pain
• Loose teeth
• Jaw mass
• Anemia
• Abdominal mass
• Abdominal pain
CAUSES: Unknown; association with Epstein-Barr virus
SCOPE: Burkitt's lymphoma is rare in the United States.
MOST OFTEN AFFECTED: Individuals 3 months to 16 years of age, more often in males than females
RISK FACTORS: Living in area where Burkitt's lymphoma occurs
DIAGNOSIS PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: N/A
TESTS AND PROCEDURES: • Blood tests
• Specialized laboratory testing may be done.
• Tissue from a lymph node may be obtained by biopsy for laboratory analysis.
• Spinal fluids may be obtained by lumbar puncture (spinal tap).
• A sample of bone marrow may be obtained to assist in diagnosis.
• Computed tomography (CT scan) may be done to assess internal structures.
TREATMENT GENERAL MEASURES: • Staging surgery and chemotherapy requires hospitalization.
• After treatment, Burkitt's lymphoma is managed in the outpatient setting.
• Surgery is usually necessary.
ACTIVITY: As tolerated
DIET: • Patients may have difficulty swallowing or chewing; small meals of soft foods (protein milk shakes) help prevent malnutrition.
• Adequate fluid intake
MEDICATIONS COMMONLY PRESCRIBED DRUGS: Combination chemotherapy according to most recent protocols
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Read drug product information.
PRECAUTIONS: Read drug product information.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Read drug product information.
Other Drugs: Intensive chemotherapy with or without bone marrow transplantation
FOLLOW UP PATIENT MONITORING: The Physician should be seen as often as needed to monitor chemotherapy and detect recurrence of disease.
PREVENTION/AVOIDANCE: Avoid areas where Burkitt's lymphoma is endemic.
COMPLICATIONS: Combination chemotherapy according to most recent protocols
WHAT TO EXPECT: • 70-90% of patients experience long-term remission and possible cure.
• With newer treatments, some patients with more advanced disease have also been cured.
• Without treatment, prognosis is grave.
MISCELLANEOUS OTHER FACTORS: N/A
PEDIATRIC: Common age group for Burkitt's lymphoma
GERIATRIC: Burkitt's lymphoma is unusual in the elderly.
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