Burkitt's Lymphoma
Burkitt's Lymphoma (pronunciation: bur-kits lim-foh-muh) is a type of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, a group of blood cancers that originate in the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. The disease is named after Denis Burkitt, a British surgeon who first identified the disease in African children in 1958.
Etymology
The term "Burkitt's Lymphoma" is derived from the name of Denis Burkitt, who first described the disease. "Lymphoma" comes from the Latin word lympha, meaning "water", and the Greek suffix -oma, meaning "mass" or "tumor".
Description
Burkitt's Lymphoma is a fast-growing, high-grade tumor of the B cells. It is associated with impaired immunity and is rapidly fatal if left untreated. However, intensive chemotherapy can achieve long-term survival in more than half the people with Burkitt's lymphoma.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of Burkitt's Lymphoma include fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes. Other symptoms depend on the particular type of Burkitt's Lymphoma, which can be endemic, sporadic, or associated with HIV/AIDS.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Burkitt's Lymphoma typically involves a biopsy of the tumor, followed by microscopic examination and immunophenotyping to identify the characteristic markers of the disease. Further tests may include blood tests, imaging studies, and a lumbar puncture to check for spread of the disease to the central nervous system.
Treatment
Treatment for Burkitt's Lymphoma usually involves intensive chemotherapy, often combined with immunotherapy and sometimes radiotherapy. The specific treatment plan depends on the stage of the disease, the patient's overall health, and other factors.
Prognosis
The prognosis for Burkitt's Lymphoma varies depending on the type and stage of the disease, the patient's age and overall health, and the effectiveness of treatment. With intensive treatment, more than half of patients can achieve long-term survival.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Burkitt's Lymphoma
- Wikipedia's article - Burkitt's Lymphoma
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