Definition of Burkitt leukemia - NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms

Page Options

	Quick Links


	Director's Corner Updates from the Director Dictionary of Cancer Terms Cancer-related terms NCI Drug Dictionary Definitions, names, and links Funding Opportunities Research and training NCI Publications Order/download free booklets Advisory Boards and Groups Information, meetings, reports Science Serving People Learn more about NCI Español Información en español

Questions about cancer?


	1-800-4-CANCER

	LiveHelp® online chat

	NCI Highlights


	Virtual and Standard Colonoscopy Both Accurate NCI Responds to Hurricanes The Nation's Investment in Cancer Research FY 2009 Cancer Trends Progress Report: 2007 Update Past Highlights

You CAN Quit Smoking Now!

Search for

Starts with

Contains

In English En español

Burkitt leukemia (BER-kit loo-KEE-mee-uh)

A rare, fast-growing type of leukemia (blood cancer) in which too many white blood cells called B lymphocytes form in the blood and bone marrow. It may start in the lymph nodes as Burkitt lymphoma and then spread to the blood and bone marrow, or it may start in the blood and bone marrow without involvement of the lymph nodes. Both Burkitt leukemia and Burkitt lymphoma have been linked to infection with the Epstein-Barr virus.

Previous Definitions:	BUN, bupivacaine, bupivacaine hydrochloride, bupropion, burdock
Next Definitions:	Burkitt lymphoma, burr hole, bursitis, buserelin, buspirone