Lyphoma Types Flashcards
(27 cards)
What type of lymphoma is Burkitt lymphoma?
Burkitt lymphoma is a highly aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
What genetic translocation is classically associated with Burkitt lymphoma?
The t(8;14)(q24;q32) translocation, which involves the c-MYC oncogene on chromosome 8 and the IgH gene on chromosome 14.
What is the function of the c-MYC gene, and how does its translocation cause cancer?
c-MYC is a transcription factor that promotes cell growth and proliferation. Its translocation leads to overexpression, driving uncontrolled cell division.
What are the three main clinical variants of Burkitt lymphoma?
Endemic (African) type – often involves the jaw or facial bones, linked to EBV (~100%).
Sporadic (non-endemic) type – commonly involves the abdomen, especially the ileocecal region, EBV ~15–20%.
Immunodeficiency-associated – usually seen in HIV-positive patients.
What is a typical presentation of endemic Burkitt lymphoma?
A rapidly growing jaw or facial mass in a child, often in equatorial Africa.
How does sporadic Burkitt lymphoma often present?
Abdominal mass, bowel obstruction, GI bleeding, or intussusception, especially in older children or young adults.
What is a hallmark feature of Burkitt lymphoma?
It has one of the fastest doubling times of any human tumor—can double in size within 24–48 hours.
What histological finding is characteristic of Burkitt lymphoma?
The ‘starry sky’ appearance due to numerous macrophages engulfing apoptotic tumor cells.
What immunophenotype is typical of Burkitt lymphoma on flow cytometry?
Positive for CD19, CD20, CD10, and BCL6, with high Ki-67 (>95%) indicating rapid proliferation.
Is BCL2 expression positive or negative in Burkitt lymphoma?
Typically negative, helping distinguish it from other B-cell lymphomas.
What imaging and tests are typically used to stage the disease?
CT or PET scan, bone marrow biopsy, and CSF analysis due to CNS involvement risk.
How does Burkitt lymphoma differ from diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)?
Burkitt is more aggressive, grows faster, often affects younger patients, and has c-MYC translocation. DLBCL is more common, slower-growing, and often affects older adults.
What viral infection is strongly associated with endemic Burkitt lymphoma?
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) – nearly 100% of endemic cases.
What medication is used to prevent tumour lysis in Burkitt’s?
Rasburicase before chemotherapy.
What is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)?
DLBCL is an aggressive, high-grade B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma and the most common type of NHL in adults.
What is the typical age group affected by DLBCL?
It commonly affects older adults (median age ~60), but can occur at any age.
What is diffuse B-cell lymphoma associated with?
Seen in HIV, post-transplant (PTLD), and associated with EBV in immunocompromised individuals.
When is excisional biopsy used?
It is the surgical removal of an entire lymph node, ideal for lymphoma diagnosis.
When is core needle biopsy used?
For solid tumours like breast and liver.
What is the malignant cell in Hodgkin lymphoma?
The Reed-Sternberg cell – large, binucleate (owl’s eye) B-cell derived cell, typically CD15+ and CD30+, often CD20–.
What cell type is malignant in non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL)?
Usually B-cells (85–90%), less commonly T-cells or NK cells.
What is the hallmark genetic abnormality in mantle cell lymphoma?
t(11;14)(q13;q32) translocation → overexpression of cyclin D1, promoting cell cycle progression.
What age groups are typically affected by HL vs NHL?
HL: Bimodal age distribution – young adults (20s) and older adults (>60).
NHL: Usually older adults; varies with subtype.
Is there an HIV association?
Increased risk in HIV, especially mixed cellularity subtype.
NHL: Stronger HIV association, especially aggressive subtypes like DLBCL and primary CNS lymphoma.
