Symptoms:

Burkitt lymphoma may first be noticed as a swelling of the lymph nodes (glands) in the neck, groin, or under the arm. These swollen lymph nodes are often painless, but can grow very rapidly.

In the types commonly seen in the United States, the cancer usually starts in the belly area (abdomen). The disease can also start in the ovaries, testes, brain, and spinal fluid.

Symptoms include:

• Lymph nodes that grow together to form a lump
• Nontender lymph nodes
• Rapid growth of the lymph nodes
• Unexplained swollen lymph nodes

Signs and tests:

• Bone marrow biopsy
• Chest x-ray
• CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Examination of the spinal fluid
• Lymph node biopsy
• PET scan