A 12-year-old child presented with a maxillary mass which on further investigation showed the presence of “starry sky appearance” in the biopsy. All of the following statements are true except:
**Core Concept**
The "starry sky appearance" is a characteristic histological feature of **Burkitt lymphoma**, a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This appearance is due to the presence of numerous mitotic figures and apoptotic tumor cells, which are engulfed by macrophages, giving a resemblance to a starry night sky.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Since the correct answer is not provided, let's discuss the general concept. **Burkitt lymphoma** is a high-grade lymphoma that often presents with a mass in the jaw or abdomen. The "starry sky appearance" is a result of the rapid cell turnover, with **macrophages** engulfing dead tumor cells, creating the characteristic appearance.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Without the actual options, it's challenging to provide specific reasons. However, in general, incorrect options might include statements about the prognosis, treatment, or other histological features that are not accurate for **Burkitt lymphoma**.
**Option B:** Similarly, without the actual text, we can't address the specifics, but incorrect options might relate to the cell of origin, genetic abnormalities, or clinical presentation.
**Option C:** This could potentially be about the epidemiology or association with **Epstein-Barr virus**, which is often linked to **Burkitt lymphoma**.
**Option D:** This might discuss the role of **c-Myc** translocations in the pathogenesis of **Burkitt lymphoma**.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that **Burkitt lymphoma** is highly aggressive and requires prompt treatment, often with intensive chemotherapy. The disease is also known for its rapid growth rate and potential to cause tumor lysis syndrome.
**Correct Answer:** Correct Answer: D.