Name of the Condition

• Burkitt lymphoma, lymph nodes of axilla and upper limb
• Medical term: Burkitt's lymphoma

Summary

Burkitt lymphoma is a type of fast-growing non-Hodgkin lymphoma that primarily affects the body's lymphatic system. This particular form involves the lymph nodes in the axilla (armpit) and upper limb. It is considered an aggressive cancer but can respond well to treatment if diagnosed early.

Causes

The exact causes of Burkitt lymphoma are not fully understood, but it is strongly associated with infections by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Genetic mutations and chromosomal translocations involving the MYC gene also play a significant role in its development.

Risk Factors

• Male gender
• Young age, particularly in children and young adults
• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
• Weakened immune system from other medical treatments or conditions
• Living in certain geographic areas, such as equatorial Africa

Symptoms

• Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the axilla or upper limb
• Rapid tumor growth
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Weight loss
• Fatigue

Diagnosis

• Physical examination to check for swollen lymph nodes
• Biopsy of affected lymph nodes to examine cell types
• Imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans to visualize tumor spread
• Blood tests for complete blood count and possible EBV infection
• Bone marrow aspiration to assess involvement of bone marrow

Treatment Options

• Chemotherapy: Often the main treatment for Burkitt lymphoma, using drugs to kill cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: Utilizing therapies like monoclonal antibodies to target and attack cancer cells.
• Stem cell transplant: In cases where chemotherapy alone is insufficient, transplant may be necessary to restore healthy bone marrow function.
• Antiviral medications: If EBV infection is present, antiviral therapy may be included to manage the virus.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

Burkitt lymphoma has a variable prognosis but can be favorable with prompt and appropriate treatment. Regular follow-up care is critical to monitor for recurrence or the effectiveness of treatments.

Complications

• Spread of the cancer to other parts of the body, including the central nervous system or bone marrow
• Increased risk of infections due to immune suppression from the lymphoma or its treatment
• Treatment-related side effects such as anemia or organ damage

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Maintain a healthy immune system by managing HIV infection and reducing exposure to EBV.
• General cancer prevention practices include a healthy diet, exercise, and avoiding known carcinogens.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Persistent, unexplained swelling of lymph nodes
• Symptoms such as unexplained fever, night sweats, or weight loss
• Rapid growth in any lymph node regions

Additional Resources

• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: www.lls.org
• American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org
• National Cancer Institute: www.cancer.gov

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure the correct anatomical specificity; this code pertains to the lymph nodes of the axilla and upper limb.
• Verify confirmed diagnosis through proper documentation, such as pathology reports.
• Avoid errors by distinguishing between Burkitt lymphoma and other types of non-Hodgkin lymphomas.