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Burkitt lymphoma

B-cell lymphoma; High-grade B-cell lymphoma; Small noncleaved cell lymphoma; Burkitt's lymphoma

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a very fast growing form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

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Causes

BL was first discovered in children in certain parts of Africa. It also occurs in the United States.

The African type of BL is closely associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the main cause of infectious mononucleosis. The North American form of BL is not commonly linked to EBV.

People with HIV/AIDS have an increased risk for this condition. BL is more common in males.

Symptoms

BL may first be noticed as a swelling of the lymph nodes (glands) in the head and neck. These swollen lymph nodes are often painless, but can grow very rapidly.

In the types commonly seen in the United States, the cancer often starts in the belly area (abdomen). The disease can also start in the ovaries, testes, brain, kidneys, liver, and spinal fluid.

Other general symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider will perform a physical exam. Tests that may be done include:

• Bone marrow biopsy
• CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Kidney and liver function tests, including serum uric acid and LDH
  
• Examination of the spinal fluid
• Lymph node biopsy
• PET scan

Treatment

Chemotherapy is used to treat this type of cancer. If the cancer does not respond to chemotherapy alone, a bone marrow transplant may be done.

Outlook (Prognosis)

More than one half of people with BL can be cured with intensive chemotherapy. The cure rate may be lower if the cancer spreads to the bone marrow or spinal fluid. The outlook is poor if the cancer comes back after a remission or does not go into remission as a result of the first cycle of chemotherapy.

Possible Complications

Possible complications of BL include:

• Complications of treatment
• Spread of the cancer

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if you have symptoms of BL.

Related Information

References

Abramson JS. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 103.

Said JW. Immunodeficiency-related lymphoproliferative disorders. In: Hsi ED, Wang SA, eds. Hematopathology: Foundations in Diagnostic Pathology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 10.

Schooley RT, Allen UD. Epstein-Barr virus infection. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 348.

Review Date: 5/1/2026  

Reviewed By: Warren Brenner, MD, Oncologist, Lynn Cancer Institute, Boca Raton, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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