Burkitts Lymphoma: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Burkitt’s lymphoma, as a form of cancer, is a relatively fast-growing lymph node enlargement. Early treatment of the disease can help cure Burkitt’s lymphoma completely.

What is Burkitt’s lymphoma?

Burkitt’s lymphoma is a very malignant type of tumor. It is one of the fastest growing cancers in humans. Burkitt lymphoma is a cancer named after its discoverer, Dr. Denis Burkitt (English tropical physician). Burkitt’s lymphoma is a malignant lymphoma, which is a malignant enlargement of the lymph nodes. Colloquially, Burkitt’s lymphoma is often equated with the terms lymph node cancer; however, medically this parallel is not entirely correct. In medicine, a distinction is made between three different forms that Burkitt’s lymphoma can take: A first form is the so-called endemic Burkitt’s lymphoma, which occurs more frequently in areas of East and Central Africa. There, this form of the disease mainly affects children between the ages of six and seven. The so-called sporadic Burkitt’s lymphoma shows a worldwide occurrence, but is relatively rare. Finally, HIV-associated Burkitt’s lymphoma is common in people infected with HIV.

Causes

The causes that can lead to Burkitt’s lymphoma have not been conclusively elucidated. In addition, causative factors differ depending on the form of Burkitt’s lymphoma present. Among other things, the influence of genetic factors on a developed Burkitt’s lymphoma is possible:

For example, various chromosome segments (the carriers of the genetic material) may be damaged, which can negatively influence the control of cell division processes. A causal influence of the immune system on Burkitt’s lymphoma is also suspected: Burkitt’s lymphoma may possibly be favored by defects or weaknesses of the immune system. Finally, a causative influence of the so-called Epstein-Barr virus (a virus from the herpes virus family) on Burkitt’s lymphoma is also being discussed. The virus is frequently detected in people with endemic Burkitt’s lymphoma and can be transmitted through saliva, for example.

Symptoms, complaints, and signs

If Burkitt’s lymphoma is not treated, it usually leads to the death of the affected person because it causes metastasis in the body. Usually, the syndrome itself primarily causes very severe swelling in the face. These swellings are often also associated with pain and thus lead to a significantly reduced quality of life for the patient. Furthermore, there is also abdominal pain and nausea, which often occurs with vomiting. Burkitt’s lymphoma can also lead to disturbances in sensitivity or to paralysis, which can usually occur over the entire body. This leads to significant restrictions in movement and therefore also to limitations in everyday life. Most patients feel tired and weary and no longer actively participate in everyday life. Disturbances of consciousness or even a loss of consciousness can also occur and can also lead to a coma. Often, those affected are dependent on outside help in their daily lives due to the symptoms. Psychological complaints or depression can also occur. Due to the severe pain, it is no longer possible for the affected person to engage in physical activity or sports.

Diagnosis and course

Burkitt’s lymphoma can be diagnosed with the aid of various methods: First, the attending physician may palpate the lymph nodes, for example. As a rule, the physician also asks the affected person about his or her previous medical history. To confirm a diagnosis of Burkitt’s lymphoma, samples of cells and existing tumor tissue are often taken from the patient. The extent to which Burkitt’s lymphoma has developed can be determined by tests of blood, bone marrow or cerebrospinal fluid, among other things. Because Burkitt’s lymphoma is a relatively fast-growing lymphoma, early diagnosis and treatment are among the most important factors in determining the course of the disease. If Burkitt’s lymphoma is not treated, it can lead to death within only a few months. If Burkitt’s lymphoma is treated early, its course is positive in the majority of cases; however, recurrences can often occur.

Complications

Burkitt’s lymphoma can lead to various complications. These depend mainly on the spread of the tumor, which is why a general prediction is usually impossible. In most cases, the patient suffers from severe swelling of the face and nausea. In addition, there is also abdominal pain and vomiting. The quality of life and everyday life are severely limited by Burkitt’s lymphoma. There are also disturbances of consciousness and paralysis. Many patients also develop mental illness and depression due to Burkitt’s lymphoma. There is a general feeling of weakness in many of those affected. It is no longer possible to perform certain physical activities or sports. A complete cure cannot be achieved in every case. However, it is advisable to start treatment at an early stage. In most cases, chemotherapy is used. Even with a complete cure, the disease can recur and cause stress to the patient. In severe cases, not only the organs but also entire structures of the body are affected by Burkitt’s lymphoma, which also has a negative impact on health.

When should you go to the doctor?

If unusual swelling in the face is noticed, a doctor should be consulted. Other symptoms that are essential to clarify are: frequent gastrointestinal complaints, paralysis symptoms and nerve pain. Also, anyone who notices recurring bruises that persist longer than usual should see a doctor with the suspicion of Burkitt’s lymphoma. Since this particular form of cancer progresses relatively quickly, early treatment is essential for its further progression. Burkitt’s lymphoma is thought to occur in association with the Epstein-Barr virus (the causative agent of Pfeiffer’s glandular fever). Immunodeficiencies, such as those found in people with HIV and patients who regularly take immunosuppressants, also appear to favor the cancer. Anyone who belongs to these risk groups should take the typical warning signs particularly seriously. A precautionary check-up with the family doctor is advisable in any case. In case of a concrete suspicion, a specialist in lymphology or a lymph therapist should be consulted directly. After treatment has been completed, various follow-up examinations are necessary. If a recurrence is suspected, the appropriate physician must be informed immediately.

Treatment and therapy

The form in which Burkitt’s lymphoma is treated depends initially on the stage of development that the lymphoma has already reached. The earlier Burkitt’s lymphoma can be treated, the higher the chances of a complete cure. Frequently, Burkitt’s lymphoma affects not only individual organs, but also various body structures. If this is the case, the use of chemotherapy can be a sensible measure. One of the aims of this form of therapy is to prevent Burkitt’s lymphoma from spreading to other parts of the body. Since Burkitt’s lymphoma is sensitive to radiation, radiation therapy can also be used in parallel. However, radiation therapy is usually only used if the Burkitt’s lymphoma is still relatively localized. Other treatment options include antibody therapy, in which antibodies can kill tumor cells. Bone marrow or stem cell transplants may be necessary, for example, if previous therapy methods have not shown the desired success.

Outlook and prognosis

Burkitt’s lymphoma can be completely cured in many cases. However, the prerequisite for a complete cure is early diagnosis and therapy of the syndrome to prevent the tumor from spreading. If the tumor is not detected and removed early, it usually spreads throughout the body, eventually leading to the death of the affected person. Premature death is then only slowed by symptomatic treatment, but cannot be avoided. Early diagnosis thus has a very positive effect on the further course of the patient’s disease. The treatment is mostly carried out with the help of radiation or chemotherapy. In many cases, chemotherapy is associated with severe side effects. Radiation therapy can only be used if the tumor is localized.General cancer screening can prevent complications of Burkitt’s lymphoma. Since the tumor can spread to different parts of the body, no general prediction is possible with this disease. However, life expectancy is negatively affected only when late diagnosis occurs.

Prevention

Since the actual causes that can lead to Burkitt’s lymphoma are not yet sufficiently known, Burkitt’s lymphoma can only be prevented to a limited extent. Doctors recommend, for example, general cancer prevention measures. These include a healthy diet with sufficient vegetables, fruit and whole grains. In combination with regular physical exercise, various cancers and thus possibly also Burkitt’s lymphoma can be prevented.

Here’s what you can do yourself

When Burkitt’s lymphoma is suspected, it is important to be evaluated quickly because the cancer metastasizes rapidly. Depending on the stage at which the disease is discovered, medical therapy can be supported by various self-help measures. If the lymphoma is detected at an early stage, a temporary change in lifestyle is often sufficient, often combined with the creation of a complaints diary. The physician will also recommend moderate physical activity to the patient to strengthen the immune system and the cardiovascular system. In the later stages, Burkitt’s lymphoma must be treated with radiation therapy. This therapy can be supported by sparing. Since radiation treatment can be a great strain on the body and psyche under certain circumstances, an accompanying therapy is useful. The physician can also establish contact with other affected persons. Especially for parents whose children are affected by the rare form of cancer, the exchange with other parents is recommended. Accompanying treatment is necessary. Close-meshed therapy ensures that the lymphoma disappears quickly and that no further metastases form in other parts of the body. After the therapy is completed, further checkups at a specialized clinic are indicated.