CHILDHOOD TUMOURS: FACTS AND FIGURE

If you look around, critically, especially on major streets of Lagos, you would come across little children with this kind of facial swelling like the one above!! Or you may know a neighbour's child with this kind of feature? Then it just maybe Burkitt lymphoma.

There are so fact and figures I think you should know, to help you relate with these children;

Children rare have tumours especially malignancies as compared to adults.
When ever you see or hear that a child have a tumour, especially in Nigeria, think Burkitt Lymphoma, for it is commonest childhood tumour in Nigeria.

It's incidence is high in the 'Malaria Belt', that is latitude 10' North to 15' South of the equator.
Classically, it affects children between the ages of 4 -9years; rarely before 1year or after 20years.

Burkitt Lymphoma present commonly with a rapidly growing jaw swelling, loss of dental architecture with visual disturbances.

Burkitt lymphoma is usually confirmed on histology. A "Starry Sky" appearance is seen which confirms the diagnosis.

It is truly an agonising period for both victim and care giver. They would truly need all the support they can get, especially your sincere concern and encouragement.

For more comments or advice on Burkitt Lymphoma in Nigeria, send in your comment to dremekaokolo.gmail.com OR reach us on this blog link post!!!