Oncology: Burkitt lymphoma: practice question

A Pediatrics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pediatrics · Oncology: Burkitt lymphoma

Sample item

A 7-year-old has a rapidly growing jaw mass with a starry-sky appearance on histology. Which translocation is characteristic?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. t(8;14)

Endemic Burkitt lymphoma is linked to EBV and presents with jaw tumours, with sporadic forms affecting the abdomen. The t(8;14) translocation activates c-MYC. Rapid cell turnover causes tumour lysis syndrome at chemotherapy initiation.

Option by option

  • A. t(9;22)

    t(9;22) is the Philadelphia chromosome of CML.

  • B. t(8;14) (correct)

    Correct. t(8;14) activates MYC.

  • C. t(15;17)

    t(15;17) is found in acute promyelocytic leukaemia.

  • D. t(11;22)

    t(11;22) is found in Ewing sarcoma.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Pediatrics questions

Questions about this Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is B, t(8;14). Endemic Burkitt lymphoma is linked to EBV and presents with jaw tumours, with sporadic forms affecting the abdomen.

Why is "t(9;22)" not the answer?

t(9;22) is the Philadelphia chromosome of CML.

Why is "t(15;17)" not the answer?

t(15;17) is found in acute promyelocytic leukaemia.

Why is "t(11;22)" not the answer?

t(11;22) is found in Ewing sarcoma.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oncology: Burkitt lymphoma in Pediatrics. The t(8;14) translocation activates c-MYC. Rapid cell turnover causes tumour lysis syndrome at chemotherapy initiation.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Oncology: Burkitt lymphoma?

Memorise milestones and the vaccine schedule as tables and revise them often. Then use the flashcards and the other Pediatrics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.