Burkitt’s lymphoma is malignancy of
**Core Concept**
Burkitt's lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by its rapid growth and high cell turnover rate. It is a malignancy of B-cell origin, specifically arising from germinal center B cells. The disease is often associated with translocations involving the MYC gene on chromosome 8.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Burkitt's lymphoma is a B-cell lymphoma that arises from germinal center B cells. The MYC gene, which plays a critical role in cell proliferation and growth, is commonly translocated to the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus on chromosome 14, leading to overexpression of MYC protein. This results in uncontrolled cell division and tumor formation. The high cell turnover rate and rapid growth of Burkitt's lymphoma are characteristic features of this malignancy.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This is incorrect because Burkitt's lymphoma is not a malignancy of T cells, which are a different type of lymphocyte.
* **Option B:** This is incorrect because while Burkitt's lymphoma can involve the immune system, it is not primarily a malignancy of immune cells such as macrophages or dendritic cells.
* **Option D:** This is incorrect because Burkitt's lymphoma is not a type of leukemia, which is a malignancy of blood cells in the bone marrow.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Burkitt's lymphoma is a highly aggressive malignancy that requires prompt and aggressive treatment. The disease is often associated with a high level of tumor lysis syndrome, which can lead to complications such as acute kidney injury and hyperkalemia.
**Correct Answer: C. B cells.**