A 4-year-old African boy develops a rapidly enlarging mass that involves the right side of his face. Biopsies of this lesion is given below. This neoplasm is associated with chromosomal translocations that involve
## **Core Concept**
The question describes a clinical scenario suggestive of **Burkitt lymphoma**, a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is common in children and young adults, particularly in equatorial Africa. This malignancy is known for its rapid growth and association with **Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)**. A hallmark genetic feature of Burkitt lymphoma is a specific chromosomal translocation involving the **c-MYC gene**.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Burkitt lymphoma is characterized by a translocation involving the **c-MYC gene** on chromosome 8. The most common translocations are **t(8;14)(q24;q32)**, **t(2;8)(p12;q24)**, and **t(8;22)(q24;q11)**, which result in the overexpression of the c-MYC protein, a potent oncogene that promotes cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis. This leads to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation. The correct answer involves the **t(8;14)**, **t(2;8)**, or **t(8;22)** chromosomal translocations.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** This option does not specify a chromosomal abnormality commonly associated with Burkitt lymphoma.
- **Option B:** While some lymphomas are associated with **t(14;18)**, this is more commonly seen in follicular lymphoma, not Burkitt lymphoma.
- **Option D:** This option does not accurately represent the characteristic genetic abnormality of Burkitt lymphoma.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key clinical pearl is that Burkitt lymphoma is highly aggressive and requires prompt treatment. The association with **EBV** is particularly strong in the endemic form found in Africa. The **c-MYC** translocation is a diagnostic hallmark, and identifying this abnormality can help confirm the diagnosis.
## **Correct Answer:** . .