A 12-year-old boy presents with a rapidly growing abdominal mass. Lymph node biopsy shows a starry sky appearance under microscopy. Which cytogenetic translocation is most characteristic of this diagnosis?
- A t(8;14) ✓
- B t(11;14)
- C t(14;18)
- D t(9;22)
Correct answer: A. t(8;14)
Explanation
Burkitt lymphoma is a highly aggressive B-cell NHL characterized by a starry sky appearance on histology. The hallmark genetic alteration is t(8;14), which places the c-MYC oncogene next to the immunoglobulin heavy chain enhancer, driving uncontrolled proliferation. t(14;18) is follicular lymphoma, and t(11;14) is mantle cell lymphoma.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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