Burkitt Lymphoma
- Endemic (African) - the most common form, found mainly in central Africa, where it is associated with the Epstein Barr virus (EBV). It is most common in children. This form often manifests as enlargement of the jaw or facial bones.
- Sporadic - a rarer form, seen in all parts of the world, that often develops in the abdomen with bone marrow involvement. The kidneys, ovaries, breasts or other organs may also be involved. This form commonly affects children and young adults.
- Immunodeficiency-associated - occurs primarily in people with HIV infection, and less commonly in people with other immunodeficiency disorders or recipients of organ transplants.
Signs and symptoms may differ depending on the form of BL and the organs or body systems involved. When it spreads, weakness and fatigue often develop. Lymphoma cells may build up in the lymph nodes and other organs, causing swelling. Central nervous system involvement is possible with all forms of BL, particularly when there is advanced-stage disease.
The exact cause of BL is not known. EBV infection appears to play a role in virtually all cases of endemic (African) BL, and a minority of sporadic and immunodeficiency-associated BL. While acquired (not inherited) genetic changes involving the MYC gene and other genes are present within BL cancer cells, it is unclear what causes these genetic changes to occur.
Without timely treatment, BL is rapidly fatal. Treatment involves intensive chemotherapy, which includes chemotherapy to the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The majority of people treated with aggressive therapy achieve long-term remission.