What is Burkitt's lymphoma?

a high-grade B-cell neoplasm

What are the two major types of Burkitt's lymphoma?

• endemic (African) form: typically involves maxilla or mandible
• sporadic form: abdominal (e.g. ileo-caecal) tumours are the most common form. More common in patients with HIV

What gene abnormality is associated with Burkitt's lymphoma?

c-myc gene translocation, usually t(8:14)

What virus is implicated in the development of the African form of Burkitt's lymphoma and to a lesser extent the sporadic form?

Epstein-Barr virus

What is seen under microscopy in Burkitt's lymphoma?

'starry sky' appearance: lymphocyte sheets interspersed with macrophages containing dead apoptotic tumour cells

Treatment of Burkitt's lymphoma with chemotherapy can commonly cause what?

tumour lysis syndrome

What are the findings in tumour lysis syndrome?

• hyperkalaemia
• hyperphosphataemia
• hypocalcaemia
• hyperuricaemia
• acute renal failure