Burkitt’s lymphoma is associated with which of the following genetic abnormality-
## **Core Concept**
Burkitt's lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is highly aggressive and malignant. It is characterized by specific genetic abnormalities involving the MYC oncogene. The disease can be endemic, sporadic, or immunodeficiency-related, with varying associations with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer involves a translocation affecting the MYC gene on chromosome 8. The most common translocations are t(8;14)(q24;q32) and its variants t(2;8) and t(8;22), which lead to the overexpression of the MYC protein. This overexpression drives the proliferation of lymphoma cells. The t(8;14) translocation places the MYC gene under the control of the immunoglobulin heavy chain enhancer, leading to its deregulation.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** This option is incorrect because while numerical chromosomal abnormalities can occur in various cancers, the specific and characteristic genetic abnormality in Burkitt's lymphoma involves a translocation, not just a numerical abnormality.
- **Option B:** This option does not accurately represent the characteristic genetic abnormality associated with Burkitt's lymphoma. Although BCL2 is involved in follicular lymphoma, it's not the hallmark of Burkitt's lymphoma.
- **Option C:** This option might seem plausible because deletions can be involved in various lymphomas, but the hallmark genetic lesion in Burkitt's lymphoma is a specific translocation involving the MYC gene.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key clinical pearl is that Burkitt's lymphoma is highly aggressive and requires intensive chemotherapy. The presence of the MYC translocation is diagnostic and can be used to differentiate Burkitt's lymphoma from other types of B-cell lymphomas. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are critical due to the tumor's rapid growth rate.
## **Correct Answer:** . t(8;14)