Burkitt’s Tumor

Other names
Types
Causes
Symptoms
Diagnostic tests
Non-pharmacological treatments (therapies & other supports)
Drug treatments used for Burkitt lymphoma
Dietary molecular supplements
Immune-support / regenerative / stem-cell–related drugs
Surgeries and procedures (when and why)
Preventions
When to see a doctor
What to eat and what to avoid
FAQs

Burkitt’s tumor is a very fast-growing cancer of B lymphocytes (B cells), which are white blood cells that normally help your body fight infection. The cancer cells divide quickly and can form large lumps (masses) in the jaw or face, the abdomen (belly), and sometimes in other organs like the bowel, kidneys, ovaries, liver, spleen, or the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Because it grows so fast, the illness can become serious in days to weeks, but with quick diagnosis and proper treatment, many people can be cured. Doctors classify it as a mature B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. A key biological hallmark is a genetic change involving the MYC oncogene (a “growth switch” for cells). This usually happens through a chromosomal translocation, most commonly t(8;14)(q24;q32), which drives the cancer’s rapid growth. Cancer.gov+2PMC+2

Burkitt’s tumor is a very fast-growing blood cancer of B-lymphocytes. Doctors also call it Burkitt lymphoma (BL). Under the microscope, the tumor cells are medium-sized, divide almost all the time (Ki-67 nearly 100%), and usually carry a MYC gene change that drives explosive growth. The cells show a germinal-center pattern (CD10+, BCL6+, often BCL2-negative), and the tissue can look like a “starry sky” due to many macrophages eating dead cells. BL appears in three clinical forms: endemic (often in African children, jaw/face common, linked to Epstein–Barr virus), sporadic (worldwide, often abdomen), and immunodeficiency-related (in people with HIV). Because BL doubles quickly, it spreads early to bone marrow, spinal fluid, and other organs, but it is also highly curable when treated urgently with intensive, multi-drug chemotherapy (often with rituximab) and strong supportive care. Cancer.gov+3Nature+3NCBI+3

Other names

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) — the modern, preferred medical name. Cancer.gov
Burkitt’s tumor — older lay term describing the same disease.
African lymphoma — historical term used for the endemic form common in parts of sub-Saharan Africa. dceg.cancer.gov
Small non-cleaved cell lymphoma — an older pathology term no longer used in modern classifications.
BL with MYC translocation — a descriptive molecular label emphasizing the MYC change; in current WHO classification, BL remains a distinct mature B-cell neoplasm with MYC rearrangement. PMC+1

Types

Doctors recognize three main types that share the same biology but differ in where and in whom they occur:

Endemic BL — common in certain parts of sub-Saharan Africa and Papua New Guinea; often affects children; the jaw and facial bones are frequently involved; strong links to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Plasmodium falciparum malaria. dceg.cancer.gov+2PMC+2
Sporadic BL — occurs worldwide (outside endemic areas); often presents with abdominal masses, bowel or kidney involvement; EBV link is weaker here. Cancer.gov
Immunodeficiency-associated BL — arises in people with HIV/AIDS or those who are immunosuppressed (for example, after organ transplant). Presentation can be nodal or extranodal and may involve the CNS. Cancer.gov

Causes

Each item below explains what it is and why it matters in simple language.

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection
EBV can infect B cells and make them multiply. In endemic BL, EBV is found in most tumors and acts as a co-factor that helps the cancer start. PMC
Chronic exposure to Plasmodium falciparum malaria
Repeated malaria infections suppress and distract the immune system, letting EBV-infected B cells expand. This malaria–EBV partnership raises BL risk in endemic areas. CDC Stacks+1
HIV infection (AIDS)
HIV weakens immune control over EBV and abnormal B cells, increasing the chance of BL in immunodeficiency-related cases. Cancer.gov
Post-transplant immunosuppression
Strong anti-rejection medicines reduce immune surveillance, which can allow EBV-driven B-cell growth and BL in rare cases. (Immunodeficiency-associated BL.) Cancer.gov
MYC translocation (t(8;14), t(2;8), t(8;22))
A piece of DNA moves and places MYC next to antibody gene regions, turning the growth switch “on.” This is the core driver that makes BL cells divide at high speed. PubMed
High background EBV load in childhood
In some regions, children acquire EBV very early and keep high viral loads, which may raise the odds of a malignant B-cell clone emerging. repository.escholarship.umassmed.edu
Male sex
BL is more common in boys than girls; the reasons are not fully known but are seen in many reports.
Childhood and adolescent age
BL often affects children and teens. Rapidly dividing B cells during growth years may be more vulnerable to MYC-driven changes. Cancer.gov
Certain geographic residence (endemic zones)
Living in malaria-endemic regions with intense transmission raises risk due to the malaria–EBV interaction. CDC Stacks
Genetic susceptibility (host factors)
Some individuals may have inherited differences in immune regulation or DNA repair that subtly increase risk; research is ongoing.
Co-infections that strain B-cell immunity
Frequent or chronic infections can keep the immune system activated and may allow abnormal B cells to expand.
Malnutrition or micronutrient deficiencies
Nutritional stress can impair immunity, potentially affecting EBV control; this is discussed as a contributing context in endemic areas.
Environmental exposures (speculative/minor)
Various environmental factors have been studied; none show a strong, consistent link like EBV and malaria.
Prior chemotherapy or radiotherapy (rare)
Past cancer treatment can disrupt normal immunity and marrow function, very rarely setting the stage for lymphoid malignancies.
Primary immune disorders (congenital)
Inherited conditions that weaken immune surveillance (e.g., severe combined immunodeficiency) can raise lymphoma risk.
High antigenic stimulation in the gut
In sporadic BL with abdominal disease, constant immune activation in gut lymphoid tissue may contribute to B-cell proliferation before MYC change occurs.
Somatic mutations cooperating with MYC
Besides MYC rearrangement, additional mutations (e.g., in ID3, TCF3) can help sustain growth; these are advanced molecular details under study.
Delayed or insufficient control of EBV reactivation
Frequent EBV reactivations can repeatedly stimulate B cells, increasing the chance of genetic accidents.
CNS immune privilege
When BL involves the brain or spinal fluid, local immune surveillance is limited, allowing cancer cells to thrive there.
History of BL in close kin (rare)
True familial clustering is uncommon, but rare reports suggest shared environment and genetics might play small roles.

(Notes: The strongest, well-proven causal context is MYC translocation together with EBV and malaria in endemic disease, and immunodeficiency in HIV/post-transplant disease. Other items above are contributory or under study.) PubMed+2PMC+2

Symptoms

Painless, fast-growing lump
A firm mass in the jaw, neck, abdomen, groin, or armpit that gets bigger over days to weeks is common. BL grows quickly.
Jaw or facial swelling
Endemic BL often begins in the jaw or face. Teeth can loosen, and chewing may hurt.
Abdominal pain or swelling
Sporadic BL often involves the intestines or abdominal nodes, causing cramping, bloating, or visible distension.
Bowel changes
Diarrhea, constipation, or signs of bowel blockage (severe pain, vomiting, no gas or stool) can occur when the tumor presses on the gut.
Nausea or vomiting
From bowel obstruction, pressure on organs, or treatment side effects.
Unexplained weight loss
Cancer cells use a lot of energy; appetite falls; weight drops without trying.
Fever
Low-grade or high fever can occur from the cancer itself or from infections in immunocompromised patients.
Night sweats
Soaking sweats at night are a “B symptom” of lymphomas.
Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
Anemia, inflammation, and fast tumor growth can cause deep fatigue.
Enlarged liver or spleen
Pain or fullness under the ribs may mean hepatosplenomegaly from tumor spread.
Kidney problems
Back or flank pain and swelling of the legs can occur if kidneys are involved or ureters are compressed.
Testicular or ovarian masses
BL can involve reproductive organs, causing scrotal swelling or pelvic pain.
Headache, vomiting, double vision, seizures
Signs of central nervous system involvement or high pressure in the brain.
Easy bruising or infections
If the bone marrow is involved, blood counts fall, causing infections, bleeding, or bruising.
Chest symptoms
Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain if the mediastinum or lungs are affected.

Diagnostic tests

A) Physical examination

Full lymph node and mass exam
The doctor checks all lymph node areas and any lumps for size, tenderness, and growth rate; BL masses are often firm and rapidly enlarging.
Head and neck/oral exam
Jaw, teeth, gums, tonsils, and facial bones are inspected and palpated—important in endemic BL.
Abdominal exam
Gentle pressing checks for enlarged organs, fluid, or masses that may reflect bowel or kidney involvement.
Neurologic exam
Cranial nerves, strength, sensation, and coordination are tested for signs of brain or spinal fluid disease.

B) Manual or bedside procedures

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of a mass
A thin needle draws cells from a lump. It is quick and can suggest lymphoma, but a larger core or excisional biopsy is usually needed to confirm BL.
Core or excisional biopsy
A larger tissue sample provides architecture for the pathologist to identify BL’s classic look and markers. This is the definitive diagnostic step.
Bone marrow aspiration/biopsy
Samples from the hip bone look for marrow involvement. This helps with staging and treatment planning.
Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
A needle draws cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to check for BL cells. Because BL often spreads to the CNS, CSF testing is routine for staging and during therapy.

C) Laboratory and pathological tests

Complete blood count (CBC) with differential
Shows anemia, low platelets, or abnormal white cells if marrow is involved; also guides safe treatment.
Serum LDH and uric acid
High LDH signals rapid cell turnover; high uric acid warns of tumor lysis risk and kidney injury.
Comprehensive metabolic panel
Checks kidney and liver function before and during chemotherapy.
Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry
Tumor cells typically show CD20, CD10, BCL6, and nearly 100% Ki-67 (a marker of proliferation). These profiles support BL over other lymphomas. NCBI
Cytogenetics / FISH for MYC rearrangement
Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) detects MYC gene translocation (often t(8;14)). This is a key BL marker. PubMed
PCR-based assays for MYC breakpoints
Molecular tests can precisely document the MYC–immunoglobulin gene fusion to confirm diagnosis. PMC
EBV testing (EBER in situ hybridization)
Detects EBV in tumor cells. EBV positivity is very common in endemic BL, less common in sporadic BL. PMC

D) Electrodiagnostic tests

Electrocardiogram (ECG)
A simple heart-rhythm test before chemotherapy (especially if using anthracyclines) to establish baseline safety.
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Used if seizures or concerning neurologic symptoms suggest CNS involvement; helps distinguish seizure activity from other causes.

E) Imaging tests

Contrast-enhanced CT (neck/chest/abdomen/pelvis) or whole-body PET-CT
Shows where the disease is, how big tumors are, and how they respond to treatment.
MRI brain and/or spine
Used when neurological signs are present or to assess CNS disease more closely.
Ultrasound (abdomen, pelvis, testis) and/or jaw/facial imaging (CT/MRI)
Helpful to quickly evaluate organ involvement, bowel complications, or gonadal masses; jaw/facial scans clarify bony or soft-tissue disease.,

Non-pharmacological treatments (therapies & other supports)

1) Rapid hydration and tumor-lysis prevention (hospital).
Purpose: Lower kidney injury risk from massive cell breakdown.
Mechanism: High-volume IV fluids increase urine flow; strict labs guide timing of uric acid–lowering drugs and electrolytes. This is started before chemo in BL due to high lysis risk. Cancer.gov

2) Intensive infection prevention.
Purpose: Reduce life-threatening infections during neutropenia.
Mechanism: Protective isolation practices, hand hygiene, masks when needed, dental/skin care, and prompt fever evaluation. Vaccines (inactivated) are timed around chemo; live vaccines are avoided. ESMO

3) Nutrition counseling (oncology dietitian).
Purpose: Maintain weight and strength; support healing.
Mechanism: Personalized energy and protein targets; safe-food rules during neutropenia; manage mucositis and nausea with texture and temperature strategies; micronutrient sufficiency without unsafe megadoses or herb–drug interactions. ASCO+1

4) Oral care bundle.
Purpose: Prevent and lessen mouth sores that disrupt eating and raise infection risk.
Mechanism: Soft toothbrush, bland rinses, lip moisturizers, alcohol-free products, cryotherapy during certain infusions, and early dental input. PMC

5) Fertility preservation counseling (when time allows).
Purpose: Protect chance for future fertility before gonadotoxic chemotherapy.
Mechanism: Accelerated referral for sperm banking or ovarian tissue/egg strategies, weighed against urgency of BL treatment. Amazon Web Services, Inc.

6) Physical activity plan.
Purpose: Keep function, reduce fatigue, and support mental health.
Mechanism: Short, frequent, supervised sessions adjusted to counts and symptoms, avoiding infection and bleeding risks. PMC

7) Psychosocial and family support.
Purpose: Reduce anxiety, improve adherence, and quality of life.
Mechanism: Counseling, peer support, school/work coordination, and practical help with treatment logistics. PMC

8) Malaria and HIV control (public-health context).
Purpose: Reduce BL risk in endemic and immunodeficiency settings.
Mechanism: Bed nets/antimalarials and effective ART to restore immunity; these strategies indirectly lower BL incidence. pure.amsterdamumc.nl

Drug treatments used for Burkitt lymphoma

BL is treated with short-intensive, multi-agent chemo, usually with rituximab if CD20+. Classic backbones include CODOX-M/IVAC variants with CNS prophylaxis. Below are 10 key drugs frequently used in BL regimens, with FDA label sources and plain-English summaries. (Doses are regimen-specific; oncologists individualize by protocol and organ function.)

1) Rituximab (anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody).
Class: Anti-CD20 antibody. Purpose: Add to chemotherapy to improve cure rates in CD20+ BL.
Mechanism: Binds CD20 on B-cells; recruits immune attack and direct apoptosis. Typical use: Given IV on specified days of each chemo cycle (e.g., R-CODOX-M/R-IVAC). Notable risks: Infusion reactions, tumor lysis, severe skin reactions, PML; screen for hepatitis B. Label source: FDA Rituxan. FDA Access Data+1

2) Cyclophosphamide (alkylating agent).
Class: Alkylator. Purpose: Core cytotoxic in CODOX-M.
Mechanism: Cross-links DNA to stop cell division. Use: IV high-intensity pulses per protocol. Risks: Myelosuppression, nausea, hemorrhagic cystitis (ensure hydration/mesna), infertility risk. Label source: FDA cyclophosphamide. FDA Access Data+1

3) Doxorubicin (anthracycline).
Class: Topoisomerase II inhibitor/free-radical producer. Purpose: Powerful cytotoxic partner in CODOX-M.
Mechanism: Intercalates DNA and poisons Topo II. Use: IV by protocol limits. Risks: Cardiomyopathy (lifetime dose limits), myelosuppression, mucositis, alopecia; requires careful cardiac monitoring. Label source: FDA doxorubicin. FDA Access Data+1

4) Vincristine (vinca alkaloid).
Class: Microtubule inhibitor. Purpose: Halts mitosis in rapidly dividing BL cells.
Mechanism: Blocks tubulin polymerization. Use: Strict IV only; fatal if given intrathecally. Risks: Neuropathy, constipation, SIADH. Label source: FDA vincristine. FDA Access Data

5) High-dose Methotrexate (antimetabolite) with leucovorin rescue.
Class: Dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor. Purpose: Penetrates sanctuary sites (CNS) and boosts curability.
Mechanism: Blocks folate pathway to stop DNA synthesis; leucovorin rescues normal tissues. Use: Weight-based grams/m² infusions with timed leucovorin and drug-level monitoring; requires alkalinized hydration. Risks: Mucositis, kidney injury, liver enzyme rise; drug interactions (NSAIDs, PPIs). Label sources: FDA Methotrexate & Leucovorin/Levoleucovorin. FDA Access Data+2FDA Access Data+2

6) Ifosfamide (alkylator) with mesna uroprotection.
Class: Alkylator (IVAC block). Purpose: Intensifies cytotoxic kill in alternating cycles.
Mechanism: DNA cross-linking; metabolite acrolein can injure bladder; mesna binds/neutralizes it. Risks: Myelosuppression, neurotoxicity, hemorrhagic cystitis—requires hydration and mesna. Label sources: FDA Ifosfamide & Mesna. FDA Access Data+2FDA Access Data+2

7) Etoposide (topoisomerase II inhibitor).
Class: Topo II poison. Purpose: Part of IVAC to hit cells in S/G2.
Mechanism: Causes DNA double-strand breaks. Risks: Myelosuppression, mucositis, alopecia, rare secondary leukemia at high cumulative doses. Label source: FDA Etoposide/Etopophos. FDA Access Data+1

8) Cytarabine (antimetabolite; standard and/or high-dose; sometimes intrathecal or liposomal).
Class: Pyrimidine analog. Purpose: Core agent in IVAC; excellent CNS penetration at high doses.
Mechanism: Incorporates into DNA and blocks polymerase. Risks: Myelosuppression, cerebellar toxicity at high dose, conjunctivitis (needs steroid eye drops). Label sources: FDA Cytarabine & liposomal cytarabine (DepoCyt). FDA Access Data+1

9) Leucovorin/Levoleucovorin (folinic acid).
Class: Folate rescue. Purpose: Protect normal cells after high-dose methotrexate.
Mechanism: Bypasses DHFR block to re-supply reduced folates. Use: Timed doses after methotrexate according to levels. Risks: Rare hypersensitivity, masking of MTX toxicity if under-dosed. Label sources: FDA Leucovorin & Levoleucovorin. FDA Access Data+1

10) Uric-acid lowering for tumor-lysis (Rasburicase or Allopurinol).
Class: Rasburicase = urate oxidase enzyme; Allopurinol = xanthine-oxidase inhibitor. Purpose: Prevent/rapidly treat tumor lysis.
Mechanism: Rasburicase breaks uric acid into allantoin (fast), Allopurinol blocks production of uric acid (slower). Risks: Rasburicase is contraindicated in G6PD deficiency due to hemolysis/methemoglobinemia; allopurinol has hypersensitivity and interaction issues. Label sources: FDA Elitek (rasburicase), Zyloprim/Aloprim (allopurinol). FDA Access Data+3FDA Access Data+3FDA Access Data+3

Regimen evidence: Modern series and guidelines support R-CODOX-M/R-IVAC as a curative standard in many adolescents and adults, with CNS-directed therapy and careful toxicity control. eviQ+2PMC+2

Dietary molecular supplements

Supplements can interact with chemotherapy. Always clear these with the treating team. Below are commonly discussed options with cautious, evidence-aware notes.

Glutamine (oral powder).
What it is/why: Conditionally essential amino acid used by gut lining; studied to reduce oral mucositis. Dose examples in studies: 10–30 g/day divided, during chemo/radiation (protocols vary). Function/mechanism: Supports enterocyte fuel and mucosal repair; may reduce severity/duration of mouth sores. Notes: Data suggest benefit but heterogeneity exists; do not exceed clinician-directed dosing. PubMed+2PubMed+2

Vitamin D (cholecalciferol).
Why: Many patients are deficient; repletion supports bone/muscle health during therapy. Dose: Individualized to labs; common maintenance 600–2000 IU/day, higher short-term if deficient per clinician. Mechanism: Regulates calcium and immune pathways; not a cancer cure. Notes: Avoid megadoses; monitor levels and calcium. Office of Dietary Supplements

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil).
Why: Studied for inflammation and cachexia support. Dose: Common 1–2 g/day EPA+DHA; coordinate with team due to bleeding risk at higher doses. Mechanism: Membrane lipid effects and cytokine modulation. Notes: Hold around procedures if advised. PMC

Probiotics (selected strains only, if not severely neutropenic).
Why: May help antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Mechanism: Microbiome modulation. Notes: Avoid in profound neutropenia or central lines due to rare bacteremia/fungemia; only use if oncology approves. PMC

Zinc (short course for mucositis taste changes).
Dose: Often 25–50 mg elemental zinc/day for limited time. Mechanism: Epithelial repair, taste receptor support. Notes: Excess can cause copper deficiency; keep courses short. PMC

Turmeric/Curcumin (avoid during chemo unless MD approves).
Why included: Patients ask often. Mechanism: Lab data show anti-inflammatory effects. Warning: Curcumin interacts with CYP enzymes and may interfere with cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin; absorption is poor and clinical benefit is unproven—generally avoid during active chemo. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center+1

Immune-support / regenerative / stem-cell–related drugs

Filgrastim (G-CSF).
Dose pattern: Daily SC/IV starting ~24 h after chemo until neutrophil recovery. Function: Stimulates neutrophil production to shorten severe neutropenia. Mechanism: G-CSF receptor signaling in marrow. Notes: Bone pain, rare splenic issues. FDA Access Data

Pegfilgrastim (long-acting G-CSF).
Dose pattern: 6 mg SC once per cycle (timing per protocol). Function: Same as G-CSF with single-dose convenience. Notes: Splenic rupture warning; avoid same-day chemo. FDA Access Data+1

Sargramostim (GM-CSF).
Dose pattern: SC/IV per protocol in specific settings. Function: Broad myeloid growth factor used in some recovery or transplant contexts. Notes: Fever, injection-site reactions possible. FDA Access Data+1

Plerixafor (stem-cell mobilizer).
Dose: SC with G-CSF to collect peripheral blood stem cells. Function: Blocks CXCR4–SDF-1 to release stem cells from marrow for apheresis (useful for transplant strategies). Notes: GI upset, injection reactions. FDA Access Data

Surgeries and procedures (when and why)

Diagnostic excisional biopsy.
Why: Obtain enough tissue for full BL workup (immunophenotype & genetics). How: Remove a whole node or mass piece; it is the gold standard for diagnosis. Nature

Emergency abdominal surgery.
Why: Treat bowel obstruction, perforation, or intussusception from bulky abdominal BL. How: Resection or decompression, then prompt chemo when stable. Cancer.gov

Central venous catheter placement.
Why: Safe delivery of intensive multi-day chemo, blood draws, transfusions. How: Image-guided port or tunneled catheter. Amazon Web Services, Inc.

Lumbar puncture with intrathecal therapy (procedure).
Why: Stage the CNS and deliver drugs into spinal fluid to prevent relapse. How: Needle into lower back space; administer methotrexate ± cytarabine per protocol. NCBI

Preventions

Rapid care for new, hard, growing lumps or acute abdominal symptoms—early diagnosis saves lives. Cancer.gov
HIV testing and immediate ART in at-risk persons; ART lowers lymphoma risk. pure.amsterdamumc.nl
Malaria control (bed nets, repellents, treatment) in endemic regions. pure.amsterdamumc.nl
Good dental care before and during chemo to reduce infection portals. PMC
Vaccinations (inactivated) per oncology schedule; avoid live vaccines during chemo. ESMO
Safe-food rules during neutropenia (wash produce, avoid raw meats/eggs/unpasteurized items). Rutgers Cancer Institute
Avoid unapproved supplements/herbals during chemo (interaction risks). Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center+1
Prompt fever reporting (>38.0 °C), bleeding, or neuro symptoms during treatment. Amazon Web Services, Inc.

When to see a doctor

See a hematology/oncology team immediately for: a rapidly growing lump; severe or worsening belly pain, vomiting, or bowel blockage signs; fevers, drenching night sweats, or unexplained weight loss; severe mouth sores or inability to eat/drink; new headaches, confusion, weakness, double vision, or seizures; swelling of one testicle; or any fever during chemotherapy. BL moves fast—hours to days matter. Cancer.gov

What to eat and what to avoid

What to eat:
Small, frequent meals with soft, high-protein options (eggs well-cooked, yogurt if pasteurized, pulses), well-cooked grains and vegetables, peeled fruits you wash and cut yourself, plenty of safe fluids; use oral nutrition drinks if your team agrees. Cool, bland foods may help mouth soreness. Rutgers Cancer Institute

What to avoid:
Raw or undercooked meats/fish/eggs; unpasteurized milk/juices; salad bars and buffet foods; herbal products or high-dose supplements not cleared by your oncologist; alcohol binges; grapefruit or St John’s wort if your team warns of drug interactions. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center+1

FAQs

1) Is Burkitt’s tumor curable?
Yes. With urgent, protocol-driven, multi-agent chemotherapy (often R-CODOX-M/R-IVAC), many children and adults are cured. Early treatment and strong supportive care are vital. eviQ

2) Why is treatment so intense and fast?
BL doubles quickly and can overwhelm organs; short-intensive blocks hit it hard and include CNS protection. PMC

3) Do all patients get rituximab?
Most CD20-positive cases do, because it improves outcomes when added to chemo. eviQ

4) Why do I need spinal taps?
BL often reaches the spinal fluid; lumbar puncture checks for spread and delivers protective drugs. NCBI

5) What is tumor lysis, and how is it prevented?
When many cancer cells die at once, uric acid and salts spike and can damage kidneys/heart. We use IV fluids and uric-acid–lowering medicines like rasburicase or allopurinol. FDA Access Data+1

6) Are supplements safe during chemo?
Some are not. For example, curcumin may interact with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide; always ask your oncologist first. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center+1

7) Why do I get growth-factor shots?
Drugs like filgrastim/pegfilgrastim help white cells recover faster and reduce infection risk after chemo. FDA Access Data+1

8) Is surgery a cure for BL?
No. Surgery is mainly for diagnosis or urgent complications (e.g., bowel blockage). Cure relies on chemotherapy ± rituximab. Cancer.gov

9) What if I have HIV?
You can still be treated for BL; ART and BL chemotherapy are coordinated carefully and can achieve good outcomes. pure.amsterdamumc.nl

10) Which chemo regimen is “best”?
Guidelines favor CODOX-M/IVAC–based programs with rituximab for many adolescents and adults; centers choose based on age, risk, and organ function. Amazon Web Services, Inc.+1

11) Will I lose my hair?
Most BL regimens cause hair loss; it is temporary for many patients. Support with head coverings or cooling when appropriate. FDA Access Data

12) Can BL come back?
Relapse risk depends on stage/risk group and regimen; strict follow-up helps catch problems early. Amazon Web Services, Inc.

13) What lab numbers matter most day-to-day?
Neutrophils, platelets, creatinine, liver enzymes, uric acid, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, LDH—teams watch and act quickly on changes. Cancer.gov

14) Can children and adults be treated similarly?
Principles are similar, but pediatric/adolescent protocols differ in dosing and schedules; specialists tailor care. Cancer.gov

15) Do I need a special hospital?
Because BL therapy is complex and fast, care at centers experienced with intensive lymphoma regimens is recommended. Amazon Web Services, Inc.

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