Etymed
burkitt lymphoma
Definition
A malignant lymphoma characterized by the rapid proliferation of lymphocytes, named after Dr. Denis Burkitt who first described it
Clinical context
A 7-year-old boy presents with facial swelling and a large jaw mass. His mother reports that the mass developed over just a few weeks. Laboratory studies reveal elevated lactate dehydrogenase and a positive EBV serology. Biopsy shows small B-cells with a 'starry sky' appearance. The tumor demonstrates the t(8;14) translocation characteristic of this malignancy.
Mnemonic
Burkitt's B-cells grow fast with t(8;14) and 'starry sky' appearance