A 28-year-old HIV-negative man has a rapidly enlarging jaw mass. Biopsy shows a 'starry sky' pattern with uniform medium-sized lymphocytes, ~100% Ki-67, and t(8;14). What is the molecular consequence of this translocation?

• A Overexpression of BCL2, inhibiting apoptosis
• B Juxtaposition of MYC oncogene with IGH enhancer, causing constitutive MYC transcription ✓
• C Fusion of NPM with ALK, activating JAK-STAT signaling
• D Deletion of CDKN2A, releasing CDK4/CDK6 inhibition

Explanation

Burkitt lymphoma is characterized by t(8;14), placing the MYC proto-oncogene under the control of the immunoglobulin heavy chain enhancer, driving constitutive MYC overexpression and unrestrained cell-cycle progression. The near-100% Ki-67, starry sky pattern (macrophages engulfing apoptotic cells), and jaw location in the endemic variant are classic. BCL2 translocation characterizes follicular lymphoma.

Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.