BURKITTʼS LYMPHOMA: OBSTETRIC AND GYNECOLOGIC ASPECTS

A 17-year-old white patient with Burkittʼs Iymphoma occurring during pregnancy is reported. Although it is primarily a disease of children, Burkittʼs Iymphoma occurs in women of childbearing age. In nonendemic areas (including the United States) this disease most frequently presents as abdominal or pelvic masses, and may appear initially to be a primary gynecologic problem. Bilateral massive breast enlargement due to tumor metastasis is always seen if the disease occurs during pregnancy. Although 5 previously reported pregnant patients and the present patient died, survival may be enhanced by prompt diagnosis and combination chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Obstetric and gynecologic aspects of Burkittʼs Iymphoma are discussed. (Obstet Gynecol 56:533, 1980)