Burkitt lymphoma's heredity?

Does anyone know if this genetic illness can be at all hereditary? And what genetic counseling is given to patients?

Burkitt lymphoma's heredity?
The simple answer is 'no'. There is no definitive hereditary link to Burkitt's lymphoma.





That said, those with a a family history of NHL (including Burkitt's) are generally thought to have a higher risk. Researchers have speculated that genetics and exposure to viral infections could also pose an increased risk for developing Burkitt's.





One thing that has been identified is a chromosome rearrangement between chromosome #8 and #14, which is very common among Burkitt's patients. This rearrangement in chromosome design causes genes to behave differently, and thus, promote uncontrolled cell growth.





As the previous poster stated, there has also been a lot of speculation that associates both the Epstein-Barr virus (it causes mononucleosis) and the HIV virus that causes AIDS with a higher risk of Burkitt's lymphoma. This theory is not yet proven either.





As for genetic counseling, I would suggest exploring the #8 and #14 with a certified professional genetic counselor.





Good luck!
Reply:Burkitt lymphoma is actually three types of lymphoma depending on where the person affected lives. Burkitt is rare in the US but endemic in parts of Africa. It affects B cells. The type of Burkitt lymphoma seen in Africa presents in a different manner that the type seen in children in western countries. I do not see any strong genetic component to Burkitt lymphoma and genetic counseling is not part of the treatment planning. Burkitt requires aggressive chemotherapy and can be cured when treated early with the proper drug regimen. What is significant about Burkitt lymphoma is exposure to the Epstein-Barr virus which causes mono and which can emerge after a diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma and cause very serious co-morbidity.





http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic256.ht...





http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burkitt's_l...





http://www.cancer.gov/Templates/db_alpha...





http://www.lymphomainfo.net/nhl/types/bu...