How Do You Diagnose Burkitt Lymphoma?
Burkitt lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects type B lymphocytes. It usually occurs in children and is one of the fastest growing malignant tumors in humans. There are two major forms of Burkitt lymphoma, endemic and non-endemic. The endemic form generally affects the mandible or maxilla and the non-endemic form usually involves the abdominal organs. The following steps will show how to diagnose Burkitt lymphoma. Observe loosening teeth, a swelling jaw or other facial bones and swelling lymph nodes in the case of endemic Burkitt lymphoma. Expect the non-endemic form to cause abdominal swelling and pain because of the growing tumor. In some cases, bowel blockage also may occur. Obtain a sample of bone marrow through aspiration or effusion. Burkitt lymphoma frequently involves the bone marrow and this may provide a diagnosis without the need for a lymph node biopsy. Select the most suspicious lymph nodes or other tissue for excision instead of frozen sections or needle
