Burkitt lymphoma (BL)
What is Burkitt lymphoma?
Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a rare type of blood cancer. It is a type of lymphoma called non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It develops when blood cells called lymphocytes become abnormal. These cells normally fight infection.
This information is about Burkitt lymphoma in adults. It can also affect children, teenagers and young adults.
We have information for teenagers and young adults about finding support. If you need information about lymphoma in children, the following charities may help:
Burkitt lymphoma is a B-cell lymphoma. Find out more in our information about types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Related pages
Booklets and resources
Symptoms of Burkitt lymphoma
Burkitt lymphoma commonly develops in the tummy area (abdomen). Symptoms can develop very quickly. They can include:
- tummy pain
- swelling of the tummy caused by a build-up of fluid – this is called ascites
- feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting).
Burkitt lymphoma may also cause painless lumps in the neck, armpit or at the top of the legs (groin). These are caused by lymphoma cells building up in the lymph nodes. This symptom often affects lymph nodes in more than one part of the body.
Burkitt lymphoma cells may also build up in the bone marrow, where blood cells are made. This can cause:
- anaemia – this is caused by a low number of red blood cells in your blood
- bruising or bleeding easily – this is caused by a low number of blood-clotting cells (platelets) in your blood.
Find out more in our general information about possible lymphoma symptoms.
Burkitt lymphoma can also affect the brain or spinal cord. This can cause various symptoms including behaviour changes or problems with memory, speech or movement. We have more detailed information about lymphoma that affects the brain or spinal cord.
B symptoms
Burkitt lymphoma may also cause the following 3 symptoms:
- drenching night sweats
- unexplained high temperatures
- unexplained weight loss.
These are called B symptoms. Along with staging and grading (below), B symptoms can help your cancer team understand:
- how the lymphoma might develop
- which treatments might help.
Worried about symptoms?
A change in how you feel or how your body works can be caused by conditions other than Burkitt lymphoma. But always ask your GP to check any ongoing, new or unexplained symptoms.
We are also here if you need someone to talk to. You can:
- call the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm.
- chat to our specialists online.
Related pages
Causes of Burkitt lymphoma
The causes of lymphoma are mostly unknown. But some things may increase your risk of developing Burkitt lymphoma. These are called risk factors.
It is important to remember that having these risk factors does not mean you will get lymphoma. Most people affected by Burkitt lymphoma do not have any risk factors.
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Weakened immune system
Burkitt lymphoma is sometimes linked to having a weakened immune system. Your immune system can be weakened by:
- conditions such as HIV
- drugs called immunosuppressants – these are used after an organ transplant, or to treat autoimmune disease.
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Infections
Burkitt lymphoma is sometimes linked to infections such as malaria. It is more common in areas where malaria is widespread. This is sometimes called endemic Burkitt lymphoma. Endemic conditions are illnesses that are commonly found in a certain area or group of people. This type of Burkitt lymphoma is more common in children.
In the UK, most cases of Burkitt lymphoma are not clearly linked to a cause. This is called sporadic Burkitt lymphoma. It can affect people of any age. It is more common in men than women.
Like other cancers, Burkitt lymphoma is not infectious. You cannot spread it to other people.
Diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma
If you have symptoms that worry you, you should begin by going to your GP. They will examine you. If they think cancer may be causing your symptoms, they will refer you to a specialist doctor at a hospital.
The most important test for diagnosing lymphoma is a biopsy. This means testing a small piece of tissue or a sample of cells from an affected area of your body.
Find out more about having a biopsy and other tests in our general lymphoma information.
Waiting for test results
Waiting for test results can be a difficult time. It may take up to 2 weeks for the results to be ready.
You may find it helpful to talk with your partner, your family or a close friend. Your specialist nurse can also provide support.
You can talk to one of our cancer support specialists for free on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm.
Related pages
Booklets and resources
Staging and grading of Burkitt lymphoma
Your test results give your cancer team more information about the lymphoma. This includes:
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The stage
Staging describes how many areas of the body are affected by lymphoma and where these areas are.
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The grade
Grading describes how quickly the lymphoma cells are likely to grow. Burkitt lymphoma is a high grade lymphoma. High grade lymphoma grows more quickly and needs urgent treatment.
Knowing the stage and grade of the lymphoma helps your cancer team plan the right treatment for you.
We have more information about staging and grading non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Treatment for Burkitt lymphoma
A team of specialists will meet to discuss the best possible treatment for you. They are called a multidisciplinary team (MDT).
After the MDT meeting, you will usually meet with your cancer doctor and specialist nurse. They will explain the different treatment options and possible side effects. They will also talk to you about things to consider when making treatment decisions.
Your treatment options will depend on:
- the stage of the lymphoma
- your general health
- your preferences.
You may only need one type of treatment. Or you may need a combination of treatments.
You may have some treatments as part of a clinical trial.
The following treatments are used to treat Burkitt lymphoma:
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Cancer drug treatments
Treatment for Burkitt lymphoma usually involves a combination of a drug called rituximab and chemotherapy. Rituximab is a targeted and immunotherapy drug.
Treatment is often very intensive and may take a few months. You may have to stay in hospital for much of this time.
Different combinations of chemotherapy may be used with rituximab, such as:
We have more information about having cancer drug treatments.
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Steroids
Steroids are drugs that are often given with chemotherapy to treat lymphoma.
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Intrathecal chemotherapy
Burkitt lymphoma can affect the brain or spinal cord. Chemotherapy can be given directly into the spinal fluid to treat any lymphoma cells in these areas. This is called intrathecal chemotherapy.
Tumour lysis syndrome (TLS)
The drugs used to treat Burkitt lymphoma can kill large numbers of lymphoma cells very quickly. This can cause chemical imbalances in the blood that may affect the kidneys and the heart. This is called tumour lysis syndrome (TLS).
Your risk of TLS is highest when you start treatment. You will have regular blood tests to check for signs of TLS. You will also have drugs to help prevent it. You usually have a drip (infusion) of a drug called rasburicase and extra fluids. This is to help protect your kidneys. You may only need rasburicase with the first treatment. After that, you may have tablets called allopurinol instead.
Further treatment
Treatments aim to make all signs of the lymphoma disappear. This is called remission.
Sometimes AITL comes back after treatment. This is called a relapse or recurrence.
If this happens, your cancer team will talk to you about further treatment options. Further treatment is unlikely to cure the lymphoma, but it may help control it for a time.
After Burkitt lymphoma treatment
Follow-up after treatment for Burkitt lymphoma
You will have regular check-ups during and after your treatment. Your cancer doctor or specialist nurse will explain what to expect.
Follow-up appointments are a good time for you to talk to your cancer doctor or specialist nurse about any concerns you have. Tell them as soon as possible if you have any problems or notice new symptoms between appointments. We have more information about follow-up care after treatment.
Sometimes side effects may continue or develop months or years after treatment. These are called late effects. We have more information about late effects of lymphoma treatment.
Wellbeing and recovery
Looking after yourself can help speed up your recovery after Burkitt lymphoma treatment. Even small lifestyle changes may improve your wellbeing and long term health.
Even if you already have a healthy lifestyle, you may choose to make some positive changes after treatment. We have more information on leading a healthy lifestyle after treatment.
Support for people with Burkitt lymphoma
People often have many different feelings during and after Burkitt lymphoma treatment. If you have finished treatment, you may feel relieved it has ended but worried about what might happen in the future.
It is important to know where to get support or information if you need it. People often need support even some time after Burkitt lymphoma treatment. But sometimes it is difficult to know who to ask for help.
You can:
- ask your GP or someone from your cancer team for advice about support in your area
- find cancer support services near you
- call the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00.
- chat to our cancer information specialists online.
- visit our non-Hodgkin lymphoma forum to talk to people who have been affected by lymphoma, share your experience, and ask your questions.
You may also find the HOPE programme helpful. The programme is a free 6 week self-management course designed to help you develop techniques and strategies when living with or after cancer. Topics include goal setting, fatigue management, and wellbeing.
You can sign up for the online HOPE programme. Or to find out more about face to face programmes in your area, email ServiceOpsSupport@macmillan.org.uk
Other organisations who offer information and support
- Blood Cancer UK offers support and information to people affected by blood cancers, including lymphoma.
- Lymphoma Action provides high quality information and support for people affected by lymphoma. It provides helpline services and a range of peer support including online support meetings, educational events and webinars. Its website includes TrialsLink, a database of lymphoma clinical trials.
More information and advice
We know cancer can affect you physically, emotionally and financially. We have information and advice about different ways cancer might impact you, such as help with:
About our information
This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been reviewed by expert medical and health professionals and people living with cancer.
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References
Below is a sample of the sources used in our lymphoma information. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at informationproductionteam@macmillan.org.uk
Cwynarski K, Marzolini MAV, Barrington SF, et al. The management of primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma: a British Society for Haematology Good Practice Paper. Br J Haematol. 2019;185:402-9.
Eyre TA, Bishton MJ, McCulloch R, et al. Diagnosis and management of mantle cell lymphoma: A British Society for Haematology Guideline. Br J Haematol. 2024;204(1):108–26.
Ferreri AJM, Illerhaus G, Doorduijn K, et al., on behalf of the EHA and ESMO Guidelines Committees. Primary central nervous system lymphomas: EHA–ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Ann Oncol. 2024;35(6):491-507.
Fox CP, Ahearne MJ, Pettengell R, et al. Guidelines for the management of mature T- and natural killer-cell lymphomas (excluding cutaneous T-cell lymphoma): a British Society for Haematology Guideline. Br J Haematol. 2022;196:507-22.
Fox CP, Chaganti S, McIlroy G, et al. The management of newly diagnosed large B-cell lymphoma: A British Society for Haematology Guideline. Br J Haematol. 2024;204(4):1178–92.
McNamara C, Montoto S, Eyre TA, et al. The investigation and management of follicular lymphoma. Br J Haematol. 2020;191:363-81.
Pratt G, El-Sharkawi D, Kothari J, et al. Diagnosis and management of Waldenström macroglobulinaemia—A British Society for Haematology guideline. Br J Haematol. 2022;197:171–87.
Walewska R, Eyre TA, Barrington S, et al. Guideline for the diagnosis and management of marginal zone lymphomas: A British Society of Haematology Guideline. Br J Haematol. 2024;204(1):86–107.
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