What is the Difference Between Burkitt Lymphoma and Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Burkitt lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma are both types of lymphoma, a cancer that affects the lymphatic system. However, there are several key differences between the two:

1. Type of lymphocyte affected: Burkitt lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that develops from B cells, while Hodgkin lymphoma is marked by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells.
2. Rate of growth: Burkitt lymphoma is a fast-growing (high-grade) lymphoma, whereas Hodgkin lymphoma tends to progress in a more predictable way.
3. Age of diagnosis: The majority of non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients are over the age of 55 when first diagnosed, whereas the median age for diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma is 39.
4. Gender distribution: Burkitt lymphoma is more common in males than females.
5. Origin and location: Hodgkin lymphoma typically begins in the upper body, such as the neck, chest, or armpits, while non-Hodgkin lymphoma, including Burkitt lymphoma, may arise in lymph nodes anywhere in the body.

In terms of treatment, Burkitt lymphoma is usually treated with chemotherapy combined with antibody treatment rituximab, a combination known as chemo-immunotherapy. Hodgkin lymphoma, on the other hand, has a variety of treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplantation.

Comparative Table: Burkitt Lymphoma vs Hodgkin Lymphoma

Here is a table comparing the differences between Burkitt Lymphoma (BL) and Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL):

Burkitt Lymphoma is a mature B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma with an aggressive clinical course. The histologic hallmark of BL is a monomorphic proliferation of medium-sized lymphoma cells with a high proliferation rate. The neoplastic cells in BL usually express CD19, CD20, and CD10 and have specific molecular features such as t(8;14)(q24;q32), t(2;8)(p13;q24), and t(8;22)(q24;q11).

Hodgkin Lymphoma, on the other hand, can be either indolent or aggressive and is classified as a B-cell, T-cell, or NK cell lymphoma. The immunophenotype and molecular features of HL vary depending on the subtype.