ADULT BURKITTS-LYMPHOMA - 2 PATIENTS WITH AN UNUSUAL CLINICAL PICTURE

Traditionally, Burkitt's lymphoma has been considered as a childhood d isease. This aggressive neoplasm tends to present as an extranodal lym phoma and often involves the alimentary tract. Thus, diagnosis may be difficult and explorative laparatomy may be required. The disease is r are among adults, and the prognosis, especially in adults, is poor, al though early and appropriate management may achieve encouraging result s. Two HIV negative adult patients with Burkitt's lymphoma with an unu sual clinical picture are reported. The first patient presented with s epticaemia and bacterial peritonitis, followed by acute abdomen. Surge ry established the diagnosis of Burkitt's lymphoma. The second patient was admitted for evaluation and treatment of deep vein thrombosis. Wo rkup revealed pelvic mass, the removal of which led to the diagnosis. Aggressive chemotherapy achieved complete remission. The literature re garding Burkitt's lymphoma is reviewed, emphasizing that early diagnos is, debulking surgery, metabolic stabilization, aggressive combination chemotherapy and prevention of potentially fatal tumour lysis syndrom e are mandatory steps to improve the prognosis of these patients.