Name
BURKITTS LYMPHOMA
DESCRIPTION
DETAIL
CAUSES Unknown; high association with Epstein-Barr virus* ANEMIA * SERUM URIC ACID OFTEN ELEVATED OTHER TESTS : * TUMOR BIOPSY * DEMONSTRATION OF VERY HIGH PROLIFERATIVE FRACTION & THE PRESENCE OF THE T(8;14) OR ONE OF ITS VARIANTS, T(2;8) ( C-MYC & THE GAMA LIGHT CHAIN GENE) OR T(8;22) ( C-MYC & THE X LIGHT CHAIN GENE), CAN BE CONFIRMATORY. SPECIAL TESTS β’ Cytogenic studies - translocation between chromosomes 8 and 14 β’ Immunologic studies - presence of B cell markers (usually IgM) on cell surface IMAGING CT scan DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES β’ Bone marrow aspiration β’ Lumbar puncture β’ Lymph node biopsy
TYPENOTES
RISK FACTORS Living in endemic areasGENERAL MEASURES β’ Symptomatic treatment for respiratory, gastrointestinal, or psychosocial problems that may follow chemotherapy β’ Be alert to increased risk for renal failure and life-threatening metabolic abnormalities due to tumor lysis SURGICAL MEASURES β’ Surgery for biopsy and staging ACTIVITY As tolerated DIET β’ May have diffi culty in swallowing or chewing (jaw involvement). Suggest small meals of a soft diet (protein milk shakes) to help prevent malnutrition. β’ Adequate fluid intake DRUG(S) OF CHOICE Combination chemotherapy according to most recent protocols. Type and extent of therapy depends on stage of disease. ALTERNATIVE DRUGS Intensive chemotherapy with or without bone marrow transplantation for advanced case PATIENT MONITORING . For effects of chemotherapy . Follow for detection of recurrence PREVENTION/AVOIDANCE Avoid endemic areas POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS . Tumor lysis syndrome with renal failure: . Hyperkalemia . Hyperphosphatemia . Hyperuricemia . Hypocalcemia . Tetany EXPECTED COURSE/PROGNOSIS . 95% of patients with localized disease experience longterm remission and possible cure . With recent protocols, over 80% of patients with advanced stages have also been cured . Without treatment, prognosis is grave
RELATED DISEASE
Not Available Disease
DISEASE
INVESTIGATION
COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT, CSF EXAMINATION, BIOPSY