There are so many rare diseases out there, but if you’re a person who has it or thinks you have it, it’s not so rare anymore. Such as Burkitt’s lymphoma.
Burkitt’s lymphoma is a rare form of cancer that is classified as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, that is, lymphoma found within lymph nodes. /a> or lymphatic tissue in other organs. Lymph nodesact as filters that remove and remove bacteria and viruses. Humans have around 500 to 600 lymph nodes throughout the body with clusters of them found in the arms, groin, neck, chest and abdomen.
Burkitt’s Lymphoma is a rare condition in adults, however, it can be common in children and residents of Central Africa. Burkitt’s lymphoma can develop at any age. It is born and spreads rapidly, often to bone marrow, blood, and central nervous system. When it spreads, more lymphoma cells can accumulate in the lymph nodes and abdominal organs, causing swelling, weakness, and fatigue.
There are four levels of lymphatics;
Stage I: Lymphoma is confined to one of the lymph nodes or above or below the diaphragm, or is in an organ or part of the body other than the lymph nodes, but has not spread to other organs or lymph nodes.
Stage 2: The lymphoma is in two or more lymph nodes on the same side of the diaphragm, or in only one organ or site other than the lymph nodes, but has spread to lymph nodes near the same organ or site.
Stage III: Lymphatic lymphoma is present in groups of lymph nodes on both sides of the diaphragm. It can involve an organ or site outside the lymph nodes, the spleen, or both.
Stage IV: Lymphoma has spread to one or more organs outside of the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes removed from affected organs may or may not be involved.
Burkitt’s lymphoma is characterized by large tumors in areas of the face or abdomen. As with other cancers, the exact cause is unknown. The tumor grows very rapidly and a person who appeared healthy a few weeks ago may now be critically ill.
Although the cause is not really known, there are certain factors that may increase your risk of Burkitt’s lymphoma. One of those risks is age, most common in people in their 60s. Even if you have had an organ transplant, you are more susceptible because immunosuppressive therapy weakens your immune system. Certain chemicals, such as those used to kill insects and weeds, can also increase your risk.
Studies have suggested that long-term use of dark colored hair colors may be associated with an increased risk of disease. In almost all cases of African Burkitt’s lymphoma, the cells are infected with a virus known as the Epstein-Barr virus. Although this virus is very common and mostly adults are infected with it, so Burkitt’s lymphoma cannot be caused by itself. Another possible factor is infection with the AIDS virus. Studies have shown that there are thousands more in persons with AIDS than in the general population. Currently, about 2% of reserve patients develop this type of lymphoma.
Symptoms include:
Difficulty in breathing, and swelling of the face that increases with the lymph nodes in the chest. Hunger, severe constipation, and abdominal pain or distension, which is caused by enlarged lymph nodes in the abdomen. Weight loss and diarrhea can also occur due to invasion of the small intestines. Fluid can build up around the lung, which is caused by a blocked lymphatic vessel in the chest. The skin may be thickened, or dark and itchy in some areas, which is caused by skin infiltration. When the disease spreads throughout the body, you may also experience weight loss, fevers, and night sweats. .
Also common is anemia due to blood in the digestive tract, destruction of red blood cells by the spleen or a. of abnormal antibodies, the bone marrow due to the invasion of lymphomas, and also the inability of the bone marrow to produce sufficient numbers of red blood cells due to drug or radiation therapy. Invasion of the bone marrow and lymph nodes reduces the production of antibodies that make you vulnerable to bacterial infections. Due to the rapid growth of lymphomas, patients quickly develop metabolic disorders and They experience kidney problems, and they also spread to the brain and spinal cord.
The diagnosis of Burkitt’s lymphoma is usually made by biopsy of an enlarged lymph node to distinguish it from Hodgkin’s disease and other problems that can cause enlarged lymph nodes. Imaging tests are also done to find tumors inside the body; such as chest x-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, and so on. Once diagnosed, treatment will follow. Every treatment is beneficial and for some people it can be a complete cure, but for others treatment can take years. In any case, treatment must be started immediately, because it can be fatal.
The disease can be cured by chemotherapy and preventive therapy for the central nervous system is essential. Children generally have a better appearance than adults, however, with appropriate treatment; treatment can be completed in 70% to 80% of children and young adults.
Always remember to call your health care provider if you have symptoms of Burkitt lymphoma and always start treatment right away!
