Your browser does not support javascript:   Search for gard here,  Search for news-and-events here.

Recursos en español
ORDR Home Help FAQ Contact Us

Diseases

Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)

Print friendly version

Burkitt lymphoma

Other Names for this Disease
  • BL
  • Burkitt's lymphoma
More Names
See Disclaimer regarding information on this site. Some links on this page may take you to organizations outside of the National Institutes of Health.

Overview


Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a rare, aggressive form of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the organs of the immune system. It is more common in males than females. Three forms exist: one endemic to Africa that is linked to the Epstein Barr virus (EBV); a sporadic form that develops mainly in the abdomen; and an immunodeficiency-associated form that occurs most commonly in individuals with HIV infection.[1][2] BL can also develop in the ear, nose, throat and more rarely in other locations.[1] Signs and symptoms may differ depending on the form of BL and the organs or body systems affected.[2] The exact cause of the condition is not known. Treatment typically includes a few months of intensive chemotherapy; the current cure rate is estimated to be about 80-90%.[1]


References

  1. Catherine Patte. Burkitt lymphoma. Orphanet. http://www.orpha.net/consor/cgi-bin/OC_Exp.php?Expert=543&lng=EN. Accessed 6/26/2012.
  2. Ali H Kanbar. Burkitt Lymphoma and Burkitt-like Lymphoma. Medscape Reference. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1447602-overview. Accessed June 26, 2012.
Your Questions Answered
by the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center

1 question(s) from the public on Burkitt lymphoma have been answered. See questions and answers. You can also submit a new question.
On this page

General Information

  • MedlinePlus, a Web site designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, provides more information about this topic. Click on the link to view this information.
  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. Click on the link to view this information. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library provides information on this condition. Click on the link to view the information.
  • The National Cancer Institute provides the most current information on cancer for patients, health professionals, and the general public.  Click on the link to view information on this topic. 
  • Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs.  Access to this database is free of charge.  Click on the link to read information on this topic.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Burkitt lymphoma. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.
  • The The Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database contains genetics resources that discuss Burkitt lymphoma. Click on the link to go to OMIM and review these resources.