Burkitt Lymphoma Overview
Learn About Burkitt Lymphoma
Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a very fast growing form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
B-cell lymphoma; High-grade B-cell lymphoma; Small noncleaved cell lymphoma; Burkitt's lymphoma
BL was first discovered in children in certain parts of Africa. It also occurs in the United States.
The African type of BL is closely associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the main cause of infectious mononucleosis. The North American form of BL is not commonly linked to EBV.
People with HIV/AIDS have an increased risk for this condition. BL is most often seen in males.
BL may first be noticed as a swelling of the lymph nodes (glands) in the head and neck. These swollen lymph nodes are often painless, but can grow very rapidly.
In the types commonly seen in the United States, the cancer often starts in the belly area (abdomen). The disease can also start in the ovaries, testes, brain, kidneys, liver, and spinal fluid.
Other general symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
Chemotherapy is used to treat this type of cancer. If the cancer does not respond to chemotherapy alone, a bone marrow transplant may be done.
Ronald Steis is a Hematologist Oncology provider in Cumming, Georgia. Dr. Steis and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Burkitt Lymphoma. His top areas of expertise are Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, B-Cell Lymphoma, Thymic Epithelial Tumor, and Paget Disease of the Breast. Dr. Steis is currently accepting new patients.
Nsh Cancer Institute Professional Services G LLC
Nishan Fernando is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and a Hematologist in Cumming, Georgia. Dr. Fernando and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Burkitt Lymphoma. His top areas of expertise are Colorectal Cancer, Familial Colorectal Cancer, Lynch Syndrome, and Paget Disease of the Breast. Dr. Fernando is currently accepting new patients.
Nsh Cancer Institute Professional Services A, LLC
Sanjay Vinjamaram is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and an Oncologist in Cumming, Georgia. Dr. Vinjamaram and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Burkitt Lymphoma. His top areas of expertise are Anal Cancer, Familial Colorectal Cancer, Paget Disease of the Breast, and Breast Cancer. Dr. Vinjamaram is currently accepting new patients.
More than one half of people with BL can be cured with intensive chemotherapy. The cure rate may be lower if the cancer spreads to the bone marrow or spinal fluid. The outlook is poor if the cancer comes back after a remission or does not go into remission as a result of the first cycle of chemotherapy.
Possible complications of BL include:
- Complications of treatment
- Spread of the cancer
Contact your provider if you have symptoms of BL.
Background: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is the most common cancer among people living with HIV in the United States. People with HIV are up to 17 times more likely to get NHL than people who do not have HIV. The disease may also be different in these two groups. More study is needed for treating people with both HIV and NHL.
Background: B-cell lymphoma is a cancer of white blood cells found in the lymph nodes. It affects the system that fights infections and disease. Researchers want to learn how certain drugs work together to treat B-cell lymphomas. The drugs are venetoclax, ibrutinib, prednisone, obinutuzumab, and lenalidomide (ViPOR).
Published Date: June 17, 2024
Published By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Abramson JS. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 103.
Said JW. Immunodeficiency-related lymphoproliferative disorders. In: Hsi ED, ed. Hematopathology: Foundations of Diagnostic Pathology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 10.
Schooley RT, Allen UD. Epstein-Barr virus infection. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 348.