You may have noticed a stomachache in your little one, or a lump in the neck or armpit, and you may have been a little worried. Most of the time, these are normal. However, there is a very rare type of cancer that can spread very quickly throughout the body . That's what we're going to talk about today. It's called Burkitt Lymphoma. Don't be scared when you hear the name, because the most important thing is to be well-informed about it.
What exactly is Burkitt Lymphoma?
Simply put, Burkitt lymphoma is a very fast-growing cancer that develops in the B-cells , a type of white blood cell in our body. It belongs to the group of cancers called lymphoma, and is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma . It is most often seen in young children and young adults. Some people also call it Burkitt's disease, Burkitt's lymphoma, or Burkitt's tumor.
It usually starts in the lymph nodes in your abdomen or pelvis. But it can quickly spread to other parts of your body, such as:
- Abdomen (stomach area)
- Bone marrow
- Gastrointestinal tract
- Jaw area
- Spleen
- Throat
- Tonsil glands
Because it progresses so quickly, it can sometimes be life-threatening. But the best part is that if treatment is started early, most people can be cured completely . That means the symptoms go away and you can stay healthy without them coming back. We call this going into `long-term remission`.
What are the main types of Burkitt Lymphoma?
There are three main types of this:
1. Endemic type: This is most common in parts of Africa. It has been found to be associated with a virus called Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) .
2. Sporadic type: This is seen in countries like the United States, especially among young children. This type accounts for more than 40% of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in children.
3. Immunodeficiency-related: This occurs in people whose immune systems are weakened, either due to diseases like HIV/AIDS or other causes.
How common is this? Who gets it more often?
Burkitt lymphoma is actually a relatively rare cancer. For example, in the United States, the sporadic type occurs in about four out of every million children under the age of 16. It accounts for between 1% and 2% of all lymphomas in adults.
This is most common among young children , usually between the ages of 3 and 12.
What are the symptoms? How do you recognize this?
Symptoms can appear suddenly. They include:
- Stomach ache, nausea, vomiting
- Fever, malaise, night sweats
- Loss of appetite and unexpected weight loss
- Swollen lymph nodes (may appear as lumps in places like the neck, armpits, and groin)
Imagine that your child has been complaining of a stomachache for several days, that he can't eat, and that he's sweating profusely at night. You might think that this is just a normal viral fever. But if these symptoms worsen day by day, you should definitely see a doctor. Because Burkitt lymphoma tumors can double in size in just a few days. That's why it's important to take quick action.
Why does this disease occur? What are the causes?
Doctors still don't know exactly what causes Burkitt lymphoma. However, they have found that it is linked to changes in a gene called MYC, which controls the growth of our cells. This MYC gene can become overactive due to a special genetic defect called a translocation .
In Sri Lanka, as in other countries around the world, some people infected with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) develop Burkitt lymphoma. However, it is important to remember that not everyone infected with EBV will develop this cancer.
What complications can arise from this condition?
This cancer can cause some complications, including:
- Decreased blood cell count (anemia, white blood cell count, platelet count). This may require a blood transfusion.
- Tumor Lysis Syndrome : This is an emergency condition in which the body's chemical balance is disrupted by the release of substances from cancer cells as they rapidly die.
- Weakened immunity (easily susceptible to illness).
If you or your child are having difficulty controlling these symptoms, tell your doctor right away.
How do doctors figure this out exactly?
To find out for sure if you have Burkitt Lymphoma, your doctor may first do a lymph node biopsy , which involves taking a small sample of a swollen lymph node and looking at it under a microscope.
In addition, the following tests can be performed:
- CT scan: To check for tumors in the chest, abdomen, and pelvic area.
- PET scan: This scan specifically highlights areas of the body where cancer is present.
- Bone marrow biopsy: To see if the cancer has spread to the bone marrow.
- Lumbar puncture: To check for cancer cells in the fluid in the spinal cord.
How are the stages of cancer determined?
Doctors use these stages to find out how far the cancer has spread:
- Stage I (1): The cancer is in only one place, or in only one lymph node.
- Stage II (2): Cancer is present in two or more places on the same side of the diaphragm , a muscle that helps us breathe.
- Stage III (3): Cancer is present on both sides of the diaphragm.
- Stage IV (4): The cancer has spread outside the lymphatic system, to places like the liver, lungs, and bone marrow.
What are the treatments?
Because Burkitt Lymphoma spreads very quickly, treatment should be started as soon as possible. The main treatment options available are:
- Chemotherapy: This is the main treatment. Most often, very strong chemotherapy is given, and it is started as soon as the disease is diagnosed.
- Immunotherapy: This works by helping your body's own immune system find and destroy cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy: Sometimes used with chemotherapy, but most often given to adults.
- Stem cell transplant: This may help if the cancer comes back after treatment.
- Surgery: This is used very rarely. For example, in cases where a tumor is blocking the intestines.
When do you need to see the doctor?
Your doctor will schedule follow-ups to monitor your health. During these times, he or she may also perform blood tests and CT scans.
If you or your child has any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately :
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
- If the fever is higher than 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit)
- Nosebleeds or bleeding gums
- A constant pain
- Pale skin or easy bruising
What questions should you ask the doctor?
Once you learn that you or your child has Burkitt Lymphoma, you may want to ask your doctor questions like these:
- Where is the cancer?
- What stage is this in?
- What treatment do you recommend?
- Will I/my child be able to go to work/school?
- Do you need to do more tests?
- What can we expect for the future (outlook)?
What can you expect if you develop Burkitt Lymphoma?
Burkitt Lymphoma is a cancer that can be cured in most cases . It responds well to treatment, especially in children and young adults. Children tend to tolerate chemotherapy better than adults. Treatment can sometimes be more difficult for adults because they have other health problems.
What is the recovery rate?
Although Burkitt Lymphoma is a serious, fast-spreading disease, most people respond well to treatment. The average survival rate is as follows:
- Early-stage: More than 90% of children recover in the long term.
- In advanced-stage children: Between 80% and 90% recover.
- Adults: More than 50% of symptoms go away after treatment (`remission`).
These are just average values. Your situation may be different. Therefore, talk to your doctor to learn more about your own situation. Don't be afraid, it's very important to have courage.
What are some things you can do? (Self-care tips)
The treatment period can be a bit difficult, but there are things that can help you cope:
- Find support: Talking to people who have been through similar experiences can be a great source of strength. There are support groups where people like you can find support.
- Get plenty of rest: Give your body time to heal.
- Eat well: Seek advice from a dietitian and eat foods that will provide your body with energy during treatment.
- Plan ahead: Ask your doctor what to expect.
- Get help from loved ones: Family and friends are ready to help you.
- Support your child: There are specialists who can help children deal with the emotional side of this illness (e.g., a child life specialist).
Finally, things to remember
It's normal to feel overwhelmed and worried when you find out that you or your child has Burkitt Lymphoma. You may have many questions and fears. But you are not alone.
Although this cancer spreads quickly, treatment options are very effective. Your medical team will start treatment early and support you every step of the way. Therefore, it is very important to think positively and follow the advice given by your doctors.
` Burkitt lymphoma, cancer, childhood cancer, lymphoma, symptoms, treatment, B cells
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