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Burkitt’s Lymphoma is a very high grade Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, originating from B lymphocytes that tend to spread to parts outside the lymphatic system including blood, spinal fluids, bone marrow, and the central nervous system. Although this disease may progress at any age, it is most likely to occur in children and young adults, especially men. It can develop in patients with AIDS as well. Burkitt’s Lymphoma is most common in Central Africa and rare in the United States. This disease results from Epstein-Barr Virus, which results in infectious mononucleosis in patients living in the U.S.; however individuals with Burkitt’s Lymphoma cannot spread the disease to other people. Massive counts of lymphoma cells can form in the lymph note and organ of the abdomen, resulting in swelling. Lmphoma cells can enter the small intestine, causing bleeding or blockage. The jaw and neck can swell and sometimes result in pain. To diagnose Burkitt’s Lymphoma, a physician takes biopsy of the defected tissue and other tests to confirm staging (how far the disease has spread). In rare cases, Burkitt’s Lymphoma is localized (confined to one area). In cases, where the Burkitt’s Lymphoma has spread to the blood, bone marrow, or central nervous system, the prognosis is poor. If untreated, the disease develops fast and is fatal. Surgery can be required to remove damaged areas of the intestine which otherwise can blood, rupture, or become blocked. Chemotherapy treatment is intensive. Medications include a combination of Cytarabine, Doxorubicin, Cyclophosphamide, Vincristine, and Methotrexate. Chemotherapy can cure about 80% of patients with localized disease and 70% of people with moderately advanced form of this disease. For Burkitt’s Lymphoma that disseminated (spread widely), the common cure rate is about 50-60% but the rate is lowered if lymphomas reach the bone marrow or the CNS.
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