Burkitt’s lymphoma in Cameroon : a review of 300 cases in two referral health facilities in Yaound´e

Abstract EN

In this descriptive retrospective study, we reviewed 300 cases of Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL) diagnosed within 10 years from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2010.

The study took place in the pathology laboratories of the Central Hospital and the General Hospital in Yaound´e, Cameroon.

The aim was to review the anatomo-clinical and epidemiological aspects of the disease, especially with respect to its localization.

We found that BL affected mostly children aged 5–14 years with peaks at 4 and 12 years.

A slight male predominance was observed.

The abdomino-pelvic site was more frequent (57.7 %).

Diagnosis of the tumor was mainly by fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC).

About 6 % of our patients tested positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

We recommend further in-depth studies to find out if there are any emerging factors that influence the localization of the disease in endemic areas or if our finding is incidental