Burkitt Lymphoma
Highly aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma with characteristic c-MYC translocation
This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Hematoloji department. Book Appointment →
What is Burkitt Lymphoma?
Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a highly aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma derived from germinal center B-cells, characterized by extraordinarily high proliferation rate (Ki-67 ≥95%) and translocations between the c-MYC oncogene on chromosome 8 and immunoglobulin gene loci. Three distinct clinical variants exist: endemic (eBL, predominantly in equatorial Africa, presenting with jaw/facial mass in children, strongly associated with EBV and chronic malaria), sporadic (sBL, worldwide distribution, presenting with abdominal mass in children and adults, intermediate EBV association), and immunodeficiency-associated (iBL, in HIV/AIDS patients, immunosuppression after transplantation, with intermediate EBV association).
Pathogenesis involves c-MYC translocation as defining genetic event: t(8;14)(q24;q32) IGH-MYC (75-85%), t(2;8)(p12;q24) IGK-MYC (10%), or t(8;22)(q24;q11) IGL-MYC (5-10%). Additional mutations in TP53, ID3, TCF3, and CCND3 are common. EBV infection plays cofactor role in endemic and immunodeficiency variants. Clinical features depend on variant: endemic BL with jaw, orbital, or facial mass progressing rapidly, sporadic BL with abdominal involvement (ileocecal mass, mesentery, ovaries, kidneys), B-symptoms, and central nervous system or bone marrow involvement, leukemic phase, tumor lysis syndrome (very common given rapid proliferation).
Diagnosis requires tissue biopsy with immunohistochemistry (CD20+, CD10+, BCL6+, BCL2-, Ki-67 ≥95%), FISH for c-MYC rearrangement, flow cytometry, cytogenetics, and exclusion of high-grade B-cell lymphoma with MYC and BCL2 or BCL6 rearrangements (double-hit lymphomas). Staging includes PET-CT, bone marrow biopsy, lumbar puncture for CSF examination, and laboratory studies including LDH, uric acid, electrolytes for tumor lysis monitoring. Treatment requires intensive chemotherapy with CNS prophylaxis: pediatric protocols (LMB-FAB, BFM) achieve cure in 90% of localized and 80-90% of advanced disease, adult regimens including DA-EPOCH-R (most common in US), CODOX-M/IVAC ± rituximab, hyper-CVAD/MA, with CNS prophylaxis using intrathecal methotrexate and cytarabine. Tumor lysis syndrome prevention with rasburicase, hydration, allopurinol is essential. Outcomes for high-risk and HIV-associated cases are improving with rituximab and antiretroviral therapy.
Symptoms
Risk Factors
When to See a Doctor?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:
- Rapidly growing mass in any location
- Jaw or facial mass in child from endemic region
- Abdominal mass with B-symptoms
- Severe abdominal pain with distension
- Bowel obstruction symptoms
- Lymphadenopathy with constitutional symptoms
- Pancytopenia with abnormal lymphoid cells
- Lactate dehydrogenase elevation
- Acute renal failure with mass on imaging
- HIV/AIDS with lymphadenopathy
- Post-transplant patient with mass
- CNS symptoms with known lymphoma history
- Tumor lysis syndrome features
- Suspected lymphoma in immunocompromised patient
- Rapidly worsening symptoms requiring urgent evaluation
Treatment Methods
Which Department to Visit?
You can visit our Hematoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.
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Burkitt Lymphoma: Detailed Diagnosis and Treatment
Hematoloji
Burkitt lymphoma is a highly aggressive mature B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma defined by MYC translocations and one of the fastest growing human tumors. Endemic, sporadic and immunodeficiency-associated forms differ in epidemiology, but cure is achievable with intensive multi-agent chemotherapy and central nervous system prophylaxis when treated promptly.
Anaemia
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Iron Deficiency Anaemia
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Vitamin B12 Deficiency
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Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management
Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)
Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)
Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.
Hepatitis B (HBV)
Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)
Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.
Hepatitis C (HCV)
Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)
Hepatitis C is an RNA virus causing chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pangenotypic regimens (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) achieve sustained virologic response over 95% in 8–12 weeks with universal adult screening and cure for nearly all patients.
Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.