Burkitt lymphoma
(BL) is a B-cell malignancy which occurs with varying clinical manifestations
and frequencies. The most well-known presentation of BL is found in areas which
are holoendemic or hyperendemic for malaria. This endemic BL occurs primarily
in children and presents as tumors of the jaw.
Though a strong
association exists between endemic BL and malaria, the nature of
the relationship remains unclear. A sporadic form of BL also occurs elsewhere
in the world and typically causes tumors in the gut and upper respiratory
tract.
There are various
other contributing factors which may lead to development of BL, including
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). EBV has long
been associated with development of BL and is found in nearly all cases of
endemic BL but, in spite of intense research, the relationship between EBV and
BL remains unclear. It is generally believed that infection with EBV somehow
drives transformation which then leads to development of BL
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