Burkitt's Lymphoma

Question 1

What type of tumour is Burkitts Lymphoma

Answer 1

high-grade B-cell neoplasm

Question 2

2 major forms of Burkitts

Answer 2

endemic (African) form: typically involves maxilla or mandible

sporadic form: abdominal (e.g. ileo-caecal) tumours are the most common form

Question 3

Sporadic form of Burkitts Lymphoma is more common in patients with what viral condition?

Answer 3

More common in patients with HIV

Question 4

Endemic form of Burkitts is associated with which virus?

Answer 4

EBV

Question 5

Genetics associated with Burkitts

Answer 5

c-myc gene translocation

usually t(8:14)

Question 6

Microscopic appearance of Burkitts

Answer 6

‘starry sky’ appearance:

lymphocyte sheets interspersed with macrophages containing dead apoptotic tumour cells

Question 7

Management of Burkitts

Answer 7

Chemotherapy

Question 8

Chemotherapy in Burkitts causes a rapid response. Why is this a risk?

Answer 8

‘tumour lysis syndrome’.

Question 9

Findings in Tumour Lysis Syndrome

Answer 9

hyperkalaemia
hyperphosphataemia
hypocalcaemia
hyperuricaemia
acute renal failure

Question 9

Prophylaxis of Tumour Lysis Syndrome

Answer 9

Rasburicase

converts uric acid to allantoin