Burkett’s lymphoma

Burkett’s lymphoma (or "Burkett’s tumor", Burkett lymphoma or "malignant lymphoma, Burkett’s type") is a cancer of the lymphatic system (in particular, B lymphocytes). It is named after Denis Parsons Burkett, a surgeon who first described the disease in 1956 while working in equatorial Africa.

Currently Burkett’s lymphoma can be divided into three main clinical variants: the endemic, the sporadic and the immunodeficiency-associated variants, which are all associated with HIV and AIDS. Burkett’s lymphoma is usually associated with over 90% of AIDS cases. All facial features exhibited by Burkett’s lymphoma are associated to HIV/AIDS.

§     The endemic variant occurs in equatorial Africa. It is the most common malignancy of children in this area. Children affected with the disease often also had chronic malaria, which is believed to have reduced resistance to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), allowing it to take hold. The disease characteristically involves the jaw or other facial bone, distal ileum, cecum, ovaries, kidney or the breast.

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       The sporadic type of Burkitt lymphoma (also known as "non-African") is another form of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma found outside of Africa. The tumor cells have a similar appearance to the cancer cells of classical African or endemic Burkitt lymphoma. Again it is believed that impaired immunity provides an opening for development of the Epstein-Barr virus. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which includes Burkitt's, accounts for 30-50% of childhood lymphoma. The jaw is less commonly involved, compared to the endemic variant. The ileo-cecal region is the common site of involvement.

§      Immunodeficiency-associated Burkett lymphoma is usually associated with HIV infection or occurs in the setting of post-transplant patients who are taking immunosuppressive drugs. Burkett lymphoma can be one of the diseases associated with the initial manifestation of AIDS.
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