Burkitt lymphoma doesn't usually give you much time to ignore the symptoms. A swollen lymph node, pain in the abdomen, or unexplained fever can become worse within a short period because this cancer grows very quickly. If doctors suspect Burkitt lymphoma, they'll recommend tests without delay so treatment can begin as soon as possible if needed.
Diagnosis and Treatment?
Burkitt lymphoma doesn't wait around. A swollen lymph node, some abdominal pain, a fever that won't quit- symptoms like these can escalate fast because this particular cancer grows at an alarming rate. Once doctors suspect it, testing starts immediately. No waiting around for a "let's see how it develops" approach here.
Getting the diagnosis right
First come the basics, like symptoms, your history, and a physical exam. From there, doctors usually need one or more of these to confirm what they're dealing with:
Biopsy: A small piece of tissue is removed from the affected lymph node and examined in the laboratory using a microscope. This is really the only way to know for sure.
Blood tests: These determine your health and blood count and also examine lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), which is often elevated during periods of cancer activity.
Imaging: CT, PET scan, or MRI identifies the location of the lymphoma and whether it has extended beyond.
Bone marrow biopsy: checks if cancer cells have made it into the bone marrow.
Lumbar puncture: fluid is removed from the space around the brain and spinal cord, and Burkitt lymphoma tends to spread to the central nervous system.
Put together, these results tell doctors how far things have progressed and shape the treatment plan from there.
Treating it
Treatment usually starts right away. Waiting isn't really an option with something this fast-moving. Chemotherapy is the backbone of treatment, often given in repeated rounds.
Your treatment plan may include:
Combination chemotherapy: A combination of chemotherapy drugs is used to kill the lymphoma cells in the body.
Targeted therapy: Some people receive rituximab along with chemotherapy if their lymphoma cells have the CD20 protein.
Intrathecal chemotherapy: The chemotherapy is introduced directly into the fluid around the brain and spinal cord to prevent or kill cancer in the central nervous system.
Supportive care: Medicines, fluids and other treatments will be used to control side effects, minimise the risk of infection and prevent complications like tumour lysis syndrome.
Can it be cured?
Burkitt's lymphoma is fast-growing, but is likely to respond very well to treatment. Many patients, especially those who are diagnosed early, go into remission following chemotherapy. Doctors can keep track of the recovery process through follow-up visits and assess for recurrence of lymphoma. Treatment has improved significantly due to progress in chemotherapy and supportive care, and many recover. If it is diagnosed early and treated promptly, there is a good chance of success.