Other names: Burkitt's Lymphoma; Burkitt's Tumor; Cancer, Burkitt Lymphoma; High-grade B-cell Lymphoma; Lymphoma, Burkitt; Small non-cleaved cell Lymphoma
Burkitt Lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that develops from a B cell lymphocyte (a specific type of white blood cell) which starts to grow and divide in abnormal or uncontrolled way. These cancer cells can move to other parts of the body including lymph nodes, the jaw, bowel, kidney or other organs.
Lymphomas can also be described by its ability to grow and spread. A Burkitt lymphoma is an aggressive lymphoma that tends to grow and spread quickly compared to other types of lymphomas that are likely to grow and spread slowly.
There are three different types of Burkitt lymphoma. Endemic Burkitt lymphoma mainly affects children in equatorial Africa and New Guinea and is rare outside of this area. It is thought there is a link between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Endemic Burkitt lymphoma.
Sporadic Burkitt lymphoma has a world wide distribution and tends to develop in the abdominal area.
Immunodeficiency-related Burkitt lymphoma is seen in patients who have some form of immune deficiency. This could be an inherited immune deficiency, human immunodeficiency virus or due to taking immunosuppressive medications.
Note: There are currently no drugs listed for "Burkitt Lymphoma".
