Burkitt Lymphoma

Burkitt lymphoma is a rare, fast-growing cancer of B cells — a type of white blood cell. It’s a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that most often affects children and young adults. Other names for this condition include Burkitt’s disease, Burkitt’s lymphoma and Burkitt’s tumor.

It typically starts in lymph nodes in your abdomen or pelvis, but it can also spread to your:

• Belly
• Bone marrow
• Gastrointestinal tract
• Jaw
• Spleen
• Throat
• Tonsils

Because it grows so fast, Burkitt lymphoma can be life-threatening. But with quick treatment, many people go into long-term remission. That means symptoms go away and stay away.

Types of Burkitt lymphoma

There are three types:

• Endemic: This type is most common in parts of Africa and is linked to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
• Sporadic: This type is common in the U.S., especially in kids. It makes up over 40% of childhood non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases.
• Immunodeficiency-related: This affects people with weakened immune systems, like those with HIV/AIDS.

How common is Burkitt lymphoma?

In the U.S., sporadic Burkitt lymphoma affects about 4 in 1 million children under 16. It makes up 1% to 2% of adult lymphomas.

Children are more likely to get it, usually between the ages of 3 and 12.

Symptoms of Burkitt lymphoma

Symptoms can appear suddenly and include:

• Belly pain, nausea or vomiting
• Fever, tiredness and night sweats
• Loss of appetite and unintended weight loss
• Swollen lymph nodes

These symptoms can look like common illnesses, but if they get worse, see a healthcare provider. Burkitt tumors can double in size within days.

Burkitt lymphoma causes

Experts don’t know exactly what causes Burkitt lymphoma. It’s linked to changes (variations) in a gene called MYC, which helps control cell growth. A type of genetic glitch, called translocation, can cause this gene to become overactive.

In the U.S., some people who have Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) also have Burkitt lymphoma. But not everyone who has EBV develops Burkitt lymphoma.

Complications of this condition

Possible complications include:

• Low blood cell counts, needing transfusion of blood products
• Tumor lysis syndrome
• Weakened immunity

Tell your provider if your symptoms become hard to manage.

How doctors diagnose Burkitt lymphoma

To diagnose Burkitt lymphoma, your provider may start with a lymph node biopsy. Other tests may include:

• CT scan: Looks for tumors in your chest, belly or pelvis
• PET scan: Highlights areas with cancer
• Bone marrow biopsy: Checks if cancer is in the marrow
• Spinal tap (lumbar puncture): Looks for cancer cells in spinal fluid

Stages of Burkitt lymphoma

Healthcare providers use stages to show how far the cancer has spread:

• Stage I (1): One area or lymph node is affected.
• Stage II (2): Cancer is in two or more areas on the same side of your breathing muscle (diaphragm).
• Stage III (3): Cancer is on both sides of your diaphragm.
• Stage IV (4): Cancer has spread outside your lymph system (like to your liver, lungs or bone marrow).

How is Burkitt lymphoma treated?

Because Burkitt lymphoma grows fast, treatment needs to start quickly. Options include:

• Chemotherapy: Main treatment, often intense and started right away
• Immunotherapy: Helps your immune system find and attack cancer
• Radiation therapy: Sometimes used with chemo, mostly for adults
• Stem cell transplant: May help if cancer returns after treatment
• Surgery: Used in rare cases, like when a tumor blocks your intestines

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Your provider will schedule regular follow-ups to monitor your health. These appointments may include blood tests and CT scans.

Call your provider if you or your child has:

• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius)
• Nosebleeds or bleeding gums
• Pain that won’t go away
• Pale skin or easy bruising

What questions should I ask my doctor?

If you or your child receives a Burkitt lymphoma diagnosis, here are some questions you might want to ask:

• Where is the cancer?
• What stage is it?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• Will I or my child be able to work or go to school?
• Will more tests be needed?
• What’s the outlook?

What can I expect if I have Burkitt lymphoma?

Burkitt lymphoma is curable in many cases. It responds well to treatment, especially in kids and teens. Children tend to handle chemotherapy better than adults, who may have other health issues that can make treatment harder.

Burkitt lymphoma survival rates

While Burkitt lymphoma is aggressive, many people respond well to treatment. Here’s what the survival rates typically look like:

• Early-stage in kids: Over 90% survive long-term.
• Advanced-stage in kids: 80% to 90% survive.
• Adults: Over 50% go into remission with treatment.

These are only averages. Your outcome may be different, so talk to your provider for more personal details.

Self-care tips

Treatment can be tough, but there are ways to cope:

• Find support: Talking to others with similar experiences can help.
• Rest: Give yourself time to recover.
• Eat well: A dietitian can help you stay strong during treatment.
• Plan ahead: Ask your provider what to expect. Let loved ones support you.
• Support your child: A child life specialist can help kids deal with the emotional side of illness.