Biology Paper #2 - Burkitts Lymphoma

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Health Project: Burkitt’s LymphomaAmy L. PancioUMUC – BIOL301 |

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Introduction

What is Burkitt’s lymphoma? Burkitt’s lymphoma, founded by Denis Burkitt in 1958, is a highly aggressive tumor that attacks the white blood cells located in the lymphatic system (Afanas, et al.). This tumor has three clinical forms: endemic (found in African children), sporadic (found in children of other countries than Africa), and the immune-deficiency form (found in AIDS patients). It is considered one of the fastest growing tumors in humans and is the first to be linked to a virus called the Epstein - Barr virus (EBV), the virus that causes infectious mononucleosis or “kissing disease”. The EBV was discovered as a new form of herpesvirus found in lymphoma cells. According to the CDC (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/ebv.htm) EBV affects the white blood cells by giving them unlimited growth capabilities and this makes Burkitt’s lymphoma one of the fastest growing forms of lymphoma. About 95% of the world’s population is infected by EBV; this rate is so high because it is easily transferred by the exchange of saliva.

Signs/Symptoms

The tumors in the majority of the endemic patients present in the neck area, whereas the sporadic and immune-deficiency patients, the tumor occurs in the abdomen. These areas where the tumors present themselves, there is rapid growth so it is visibly noticeable through the skin within a few weeks’ time. MacMillan describes symptoms of the patients as: pain in the location of the tumors along with nausea, inexplicable high temperatures, night sweats, fatigue and diarrhea (http://www.macmillan.org.uk).

Risk Factors

Risk factors for Burkitt’s lymphoma include:

* African and being repeatedly infected by malaria

* Any condition that causes a weakening of the immune system such as:

* Organ transplant

* Chemotherapy

* AIDS

* Family history of Burkitt’s lymphoma

* Not being able to diagnose...