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What is it? Burkitt's lymphoma is a form of cancer affecting the lymphatic system. It is one of the non-Hodgkin's lymphomas which are very similar to the leukemias. The malignant cell in Burkitt's is called a B-cell and sometimes Burkitt's is referred to as a B-cell lymphoma or leukemia. Burkitt's is rare; boys are more likely to have lymphomas of any type than girls. What causes it? The exact cause of this disease is unknown. Burkitt's is fairly common in Africa, and there is some evidence linking its cause there to a virus known as the Epstein-Barr virus. Researchers in the United States have also found some inheritance patterns and chromosomal defects associated with Burkitt's. With ongoing research in lymphoma biology, better understanding of this kind of disease is opening up new possibilities of treatments for it. What are the symptoms? The signs of Burkitt's depend on where the disease begins. The stomach area is the usual site for the tumor, although it can affect the jaws and mouth. The affected area may be swollen and painful. The child may have nausea and vomiting. This malignancy grows rapidly, and a child in good health 6 weeks ago may be critically ill now. Sometimes the bone marrow is affected, and this may cause anemia and increased bruising. How is it diagnosed? The diagnosis of this disease is usually made with a biopsy of the tumor site and/or a lymph node and microscopic examination of the tissue. Other common tests include a complete blood count(cbc), a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, a test of the spinal fluids (lumbar puncture), and possibly a CT scan. The disease will be staged (extent of disease determined) after tests are completed. Treatment will be started quickly to prevent any serious complications from the rapid tumor growth. What is the treatment? Chemotherapy is used to treat it. At first there is the induction stage during which very strong drugs or combinations of drugs are used to destroy all detectable signs of the disease. There may also be some surgery or radiation therapy at first. Next is the consolidation stage of treat-ment which continues the chemotherapy treatment, and finally comes the maintenance stage which is the last effort to destroy any remaining malignant cells. What is the impact on school participation? The course of treatment for Burkitt's is usually a very intensive 6-month therapy with frequent hospitalizations. Students may miss a lot of school during this time and typically benefit from homebound tutoring. However, attending school even on a half-day basis is always encouraged because it provides normalcy for the patient and family; it also lessens any psychological and social impact on the student. |