Burkitts

Burkitts is a surname and, in medical contexts, appears in the possessive name Burkitt's lymphoma. The disease, however, is the primary association most readers encounter with the term. It is a highly aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma described by Denis Parsons Burkitt in the late 1950s after observations in African children. The condition has three epidemiologic variants: endemic, sporadic, and immunodeficiency-associated.

Endemic Burkitt's lymphoma is common in parts of equatorial Africa and is strongly linked to Epstein-Barr virus infection; it often presents with a jaw or facial bone mass. Sporadic Burkitt's lymphoma occurs worldwide and typically presents with abdominal or pelvic involvement. Immunodeficiency-associated Burkitt's lymphoma arises in the setting of recognized immune compromise, such as HIV infection. All variants share rapid tumor growth and a high proliferative rate.

Genetically, the hallmark is translocation of the MYC oncogene, most often t(8;14)(q24;q32), leading to MYC overexpression. Other translocations involving MYC can occur. The lymphoma is characterized histologically by a “starry-sky” appearance due to macrophage activity. The disease progresses quickly if untreated, requiring urgent diagnosis.

Treatment relies on intensive short-course combination chemotherapy regimens, with supportive care to manage tumor lysis syndrome and infection risks. CNS prophylaxis is used in some regimens. With modern therapy, cure rates are high in children and many adults, though outcomes vary by age, variant, and stage at presentation.

In usage, Burkitts is rarely used on its own; the standard term is Burkitt's lymphoma. The surname Burkitt or Burkitts may appear in biographical references, but the disease name remains Burkitt's lymphoma.