Burkitt lymphoma

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It's infamous for being one of the most rapidly growing tumours, with a doubling time less than 24 hours. It’s characterised by deregulation of c-Myc. Three forms of Burkitt lymphoma can be distinguished:

• Sporadic Burkitt lymphoma
• Endemic Burkitt lymphoma
• HIV-associated Burkitt lymphoma

Endemic BL is endemic to equatorial Africa and South America and is highly associated with EBV infection. Non-endemic BL presents as a mass in the abdomen, while endemic BL presents as a mass in the jaw.

Because it’s so rapidly proliferating, BL must be managed as acute leukaemia. There is significant risk of tumour lysis syndrome.