Lymphoma Series: Variants of Large-Cell Lymphoma Burkitt’s Lymphoma: Clinicopathologic Features and Differential Diagnosis

Correspondence: Judith A. Ferry, M.D., Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA. Telephone: 617-726-3978; Fax: 617-726-7474; e-mail: [email protected] Received January 13, 2006; accepted for publication February 22, 2006. ©AlphaMed Press 1083-7159/2006/$20.00/0 Abstract Burkitt’s lymphoma is a highly aggressive lymphoma identified and described in the last century by Denis Burkitt in Africa, in areas endemic for malaria. Since its description in African children, it has been recognized outside areas with endemic malaria, frequently also in children as well as among individuals with an underlying immunodeficiency. Since its initial designation as Burkitt’s lymphoma, this type of lymphoma and lymphomas closely resembling it have received a variety of names in different classifications of lymphomas and leukemias: undifferentiated lymphoma, Burkitt’s and nonBurkitt’s type in the modified Rappaport Classification, malignant lymphoma, small non-cleaved cell, Burkitt’s type in the Working Formulation, Burkitt’s lymphoma and high-grade B-cell lymphoma, Burkitt-like in the REAL Classification, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia, L3 type in the FAB Classification. With the publication of the WHO Classification of Haematopoietic and Lymphoid Tumors, the nomenclature of this lymphoma has come full circle, and it is once again known simply as Burkitt’s lymphoma. In recent years, efforts have focused on improving therapy for this rapidly proliferating neoplasm while minimizing, to the extent possible, treatment-associated toxicity. These efforts have led to the development of high-intensity, short-duration combination chemotherapy that has proven extremely effective for a high proportion of Burkitt’s lymphoma patients. The differential diagnosis of Burkitt’s lymphoma is broad, and precise diagnosis based on histologic, immunophenotypic, and genetic features remains the critical first step in planning appropriate therapy. The Oncologist 2006;11:375–383 Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA category 1 credit at CME.TheOncologist.com CME This material is protected by U.S. Copyright law. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited. For reprints contact: [email protected]