Burkitt's lymphoma - symptoms, diagnosis, treatment.

Burkitt's lymphoma is a term used to describe a rare type of aggressive cancer that occurs mainly in young people: children and teenagers. It accounts for as much as 7% of all malignancies in pediatric patients. It develops quickly and aggressively; therefore, early and accurate diagnosis is particularly important.

What is Burkitt's lymphoma?

Burkitt's lymphoma belongs to the group of Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, i.e. tumors with different stages of distinction, originating from cells of the lymphatic system. Because the lymphocytes migrate through the tissues, the tumor can form in almost any organ. Symptoms develop rapidly - within a few days, a few weeks at most. This lymphoma is divided into three types:

• Sporadic, also associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection causing mononucleosis. It occurs in children, but also in the elderly, more often in males. The primary tumor usually occupies the gastrointestinal tract, lymph nodes, and bone marrow.
• Endemic, common in areas of Africa and directly related to Epstein-Barr virus. It usually attacks children aged 6-14 years, mostly boys. The tumor usually appears in the craniofacial region. The characteristic feature is simultaneous, symmetric involvement of paired organs, such as the kidneys.
• Immunosuppressive, affecting HIV-infected individuals, organ transplant patients, and those with other immunosuppressed conditions.

Burkitt's lymphoma – causes

The cause of developing Burkitt's lymphoma is currently unknown. The main factor that increases the risk are immune disorders, but other possible causes are distinguished, such as:

• EBV (Epstein-Barr virus) infection - almost all cases with endemic variant, 50% of cases with immunosuppression and 20% with the sporadic variant,
• Ionizing Radiation,
• Certain chemicals.

Cytomegalovirus, rheumatoid arthritis, as well as Hashimoto's disease are also mentioned among potential factors.

Symptoms and development of Burkitt's lymphoma

Depending on its location, Burkitt's lymphoma can cause a variety of symptoms. Among the most common are abdominal pain, nausea, digestive disorders, paralysis of the limbs, and in the case of brain tumors, behavioral disorders. Unusual but still possible symptoms include:

• Night sweats,
• Shortness of breath,
• Coughing,
• Weight loss,
• Persistent fever in the absence of other signs of infection,
• Enlarged lymph nodes,
• Lack of appetite.

There is a risk of developing Burkitt's lymphoma with both acquired and congenital deficiencies in immune function. Lymphoma tumors may appear on the face, especially if they attack the skull bone area, and could double in size from day to day. Located on the lymph nodes, the tumor causes a distortion of the neck circumference, and lymphoma in the oral cavity can lead to pathological changes in the structure of the dentition.

Diagnosis of Burkitt's lymphoma

Since Burkitt's lymphoma mainly affects young people, the diagnosis is usually made by a pediatrician. In addition to discovering the cause, it is important to determine the stage of the cancer and organ function, which is why the next step is testing:

• Morphology,
• General urinalysis,
• Chest CT scan,
• Abdominal X-ray and ultrasound,
• Bone marrow examination,
• Cerebrospinal fluid examination,
• ENT examination,
• Virological examination,
• Bone scintigraphy,
• Cardiac echo,
• EKG.

When the diagnosis indicates a lymphoma in the body, it is also necessary to take a section from the tumor for testing.

Treatment and prognosis

The primary treatment for Burkitt's lymphoma is chemotherapy, the intensity of which depends on the patient's age and the course of the disease. It is important to diagnose Burkitt's lymphoma as early as possible so that treatment can begin immediately. During chemotherapy, drugs are given to prevent dehydration and tumor breakdown syndrome - which can otherwise result in kidney failure.
For Burkitt's lymphoma, the prognosis is variable. The main factors are the patient's age and immune status, along with the size and location of the tumor. The prognosis is least favorable for those with immune system problems. For children, the cure rate is about 60-90%.