Burkitt lymphoma is a highly aggressive cancer with three main types. Which type is associated with EBV and commonly found in Africa?

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Multiple Choice

Burkitt lymphoma is a highly aggressive cancer with three main types. Which type is associated with EBV and commonly found in Africa?

Explanation:
Endemic Burkitt lymphoma is the type linked to Epstein-Barr virus and is classically seen in African children. EBV infection is present in a large majority of these cases, and malaria in the region is thought to act as a cofactor by sustaining chronic B-cell stimulation, which increases the chances of a MYC translocation that drives rapid tumor growth. Clinically, it often presents as a fast-growing jaw or facial bone mass. The genetic hallmark involves a translocation placing the MYC gene under the control of immunoglobulin gene loci, most commonly t(8;14), leading to uncontrolled B-cell proliferation. In contrast, sporadic Burkitt lymphoma occurs worldwide with weaker or inconsistent EBV association and often presents with abdominal involvement, while immunodeficiency-related Burkitt is associated with HIV infection and can involve nodal or intra-abdominal disease. The label diffuse describes histology—how the tumor cells appear under the microscope—not a distinct epidemiologic type.

Endemic Burkitt lymphoma is the type linked to Epstein-Barr virus and is classically seen in African children. EBV infection is present in a large majority of these cases, and malaria in the region is thought to act as a cofactor by sustaining chronic B-cell stimulation, which increases the chances of a MYC translocation that drives rapid tumor growth. Clinically, it often presents as a fast-growing jaw or facial bone mass. The genetic hallmark involves a translocation placing the MYC gene under the control of immunoglobulin gene loci, most commonly t(8;14), leading to uncontrolled B-cell proliferation. In contrast, sporadic Burkitt lymphoma occurs worldwide with weaker or inconsistent EBV association and often presents with abdominal involvement, while immunodeficiency-related Burkitt is associated with HIV infection and can involve nodal or intra-abdominal disease. The label diffuse describes histology—how the tumor cells appear under the microscope—not a distinct epidemiologic type.

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