Haem: Burkitt's Lymphoma: Free MSRA Podcast

🩸 FREE MSRA PODCAST – Burkitt’s Lymphoma: Fast-Growing, High-Yield & Fully Explained!In this focused episode, we break down Burkitt’s Lymphoma, one of the most aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas, into its essential components for your MSRA revision. Expect key facts, clinical pearls, mnemonics, and rapid recall tips to help you retain everything with confidence.🧠 Key Learning Points📌 Definition• A highly aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma• Marked by rapid proliferation of immature B-cells due to MYC gene translocation• Commonly associated with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and seen in immunosuppressed individuals📌 Three Types (Mnemonic: E-S-I = Eat Some Ice cream)Endemic – in equatorial Africa, children, often presents with jaw tumours, linked to malaria + EBVSporadic – outside Africa, often presents with abdominal masses (ileocecal region)Immunodeficiency-associated – often seen in HIV/AIDS patients📌 Causes & Risk Factors• MYC gene translocation: t(8;14) – hallmark of Burkitt’s• EBV infection – strong correlation in endemic form• HIV and other immunodeficiencies• Malaria co-infection in endemic regions📌 Pathophysiology• Translocation of MYC gene → overexpression → uncontrolled B-cell proliferation• Apoptosis suppressed → tumours grow rapidly• Histology shows classic “starry sky” pattern: macrophages amongst dense lymphoma cells📌 Clinical Features• Very fast-growing mass (can double in size in <24 hours)• Endemic: jaw or facial swelling• Sporadic: abdominal pain, obstruction, palpable mass• ‘B symptoms’: fever, night sweats, weight loss• Associated symptoms: fatigue, vomiting, ascites, or bowel obstruction in abdominal cases📌 Differential Diagnosis• Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)• Lymphoblastic lymphoma• T-cell lymphomas• Other causes of rapidly growing abdominal or jaw masses📌 Investigations• Biopsy – confirms diagnosis; shows starry sky appearance• Immunophenotyping – confirms B-cell lineage• Cytogenetics – identifies t(8;14)• Imaging (CT, PET) – for staging• Bone marrow biopsy – to assess spread• LP for CSF analysis – if CNS involvement suspected📌 Staging (St Jude / Murphy system):• Stage I – single tumour or nodal region• Stage II – single tumour + regional nodes / fully resected abdominal disease• Stage III – disease on both sides of diaphragm / large abdomen involvement• Stage IV – CNS or bone marrow involvement📌 Management🎯 Intensive Chemotherapy:• Regimens like CODOX-M/IVAC• Include rituximab (CD20 monoclonal antibody) in some cases• Intrathecal chemo for CNS prophylaxis• Adjusted regimens in resource-limited settings (e.g. cyclophosphamide + methotrexate)⚠️ Tumour Lysis Syndrome (TLS):• Common due to rapid cell kill• Prevented/treated with: – Aggressive IV fluids – Allopurinol or rasburicase – Monitor potassium, uric acid, calcium – Dialysis in severe cases📌 Complications• TLS• Sepsis – due to immunosuppression from disease + chemo• Obstruction (bowel or airway)• CNS involvement• Long-term: secondary malignancies📌 Prognosis• Excellent if caught early – Stage I–II: >90% 5-year survival• Stage III–IV: still good with treatment (75–85%)• Worse prognosis with CNS involvement or HIV📎 More MSRA Resources for Burkitt’s Lymphoma📝 Revision Notes:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/burkitts-lymphoma-revision-notes/🧠 Flashcards:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/burkitts-lymphoma-flashcards/💬 Accordion Q&A Notes:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/burkitts-lymphoma-accordion-qa-notes/🚀 Rapid Quiz:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/burkitts-lymphoma-rapid-quiz/🎓 Full Haematology Course:https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/haematology-for-the-msra/#MSRA #BurkittsLymphoma #MSRAHaematology #StarrySkyAppearance #MYCtranslocation #MSRARevision #PassTheMSRA #NonHodgkinLymphoma #HighGradeLymphoma #MSRAFlashcards #MSRAAccordions #FreeMSRA #AggressiveLymphoma #CODOXMIVAC