Burkitt leukemia
Burkitt Leukemia
Burkitt leukemia (/bɜːrˈkɪt ljuːˈkiːmiə/) is a type of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects the B cells in the human immune system. The disease is named after Denis Burkitt, a British surgeon who first identified and described the disease in African children in 1958.
Etymology
The term "Burkitt leukemia" is derived from the name of Denis Burkitt, who first discovered the disease. The term "leukemia" is derived from the Greek words "leukos" (λευκός), meaning "white", and "haima" (αἷμα), meaning "blood".
Description
Burkitt leukemia is a fast-growing, high-grade tumor of the lymphatic system. It is closely related to a cancer of the lymph nodes, known as Burkitt lymphoma, and is sometimes referred to as a small non-cleaved cell lymphoma. The disease is characterized by the translocation and rearrangement of the MYC gene.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of Burkitt leukemia include fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes. The disease can also cause tumors in the jaw and central nervous system, leading to further complications.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Burkitt leukemia typically involves a combination of blood tests, bone marrow tests, and imaging tests. The presence of a specific chromosomal translocation, t(8;14)(q24;q32), is a key diagnostic indicator of the disease.
Treatment
Treatment for Burkitt leukemia usually involves intensive chemotherapy, often combined with immunotherapy or targeted therapy. In some cases, a stem cell transplant may be considered.
Prognosis
The prognosis for Burkitt leukemia varies depending on a number of factors, including the patient's age, overall health, and the stage of the disease at diagnosis. With aggressive treatment, many patients can achieve long-term remission.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Burkitt leukemia
- Wikipedia's article - Burkitt leukemia
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