Burkitt's lymphoma: the initial defining characteristics.

OBJECTIVES

To put together salient historical, geographical and biological characteristics of Burkitt's lymphoma.

DATA SOURCES: Burkitt's lymphoma study data gathered over a ten year study, other publications, original and review articles, conference abstracts searched mainly on PubMed indexed for Medline.

DATA EXTRACTION: A systematic documentation and review to identify information relating to Burkitt's lymphoma, historical, geographical and biological characteristics. Only data relevant to the objectives of the subject were extracted.

DATA SYNTHESIS: A detailed qualitative assessment was undertaken given the heterogeneity of data and study types making it not appropriate to pool results across studies.

CONCLUSION

Burkitt's lymphoma is historically linked to the tropical Africa and its geographical characteristics have been the most defining characteristics of its other features. The biological characteristic also roots strongly in its geographical and clinical manifestations.