American Cancer Society www.cancer.org The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society www.lls.org The Children’s Oncology Group www.curesearch.org Pete Frigillana
BSC2010C
Professor Elisa Ratliff
Genetic Disorder Brochure Project
Natalie Marie Walker
Diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma on June 24th, 2011
Natalie turned 2 on
June 29th, 2011
What is non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?
A cancer that develops from cells that makes up the lymph system. The lymph system includes specialized cells and organs, such as the lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, and bone marrow. They are responsible for helping to protect the body from infection. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can start anywhere in the body, however, is most often …show more content…
Symptoms
Many patients notice large lymph nodes. Sometimes, the disease starts in a site other than the lymph nodes, such as the bones, lungs, abdomen, or skin. In such circumstances, the symptoms are experienced at the site. In Burkitt’s, the abdomen is usually swollen. The tumor associated with Burkitt’s is known to be one of the fastest growing cancerous tumors. Other symptoms include cough, upset stomach, chest pain, rashes, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite or weight loss. The disease is often discovered during routine medical examinations or during doctor visits with the symptoms mentioned above.
Testing and Procedures
There are a number of tests necessary to properly diagnose and determine the extent of Burkitt’s lymphoma. There are a series of tests: Chest X rays, CT scan, MRI and PET scans, a Gallium scan, Bone scan and Ultrasounds. Other important tests include a complete history, blood tests, tumor biopsy, and lumbar puncture (spinal tap). A venous access device (VAD), or central line, is also used for the duration of treatment to administer medication, chemotherapy, blood or nutritional support. Another name for this VAD is the BROVAIK which is also used to draw blood. Burkitt’s is primarily treated with chemotherapy and surgery to remove the primary tumor. Chemotherapy can last from several weeks to 2 years depending on the type and