Endemic Burkitt lymphoma occurring in equatorial Africa carries the strongest viral association among lymphoid malignancies. The oncogenic event driving this tumor is:

• A Clonal integration of Epstein-Barr virus into the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus, directly activating MYC
• B Epstein-Barr virus-driven amplification of the BCL6 gene on chromosome 3
• C Deletion of the BCL2 gene with subsequent overexpression of MYC
• D A balanced t(8;14) translocation placing MYC under control of the immunoglobulin heavy chain enhancer, with Epstein-Barr virus as a cofactor ✓

Explanation

Burkitt lymphoma is driven by translocation of MYC from chromosome 8 to the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus on chromosome 14, juxtaposing MYC next to the IgH enhancer and causing constitutive overexpression. Epstein-Barr virus is present in nearly all endemic cases and acts as a cofactor promoting D-cell proliferation, not by direct integration at the MYC locus (option A). BCL2 rearrangement defines follicular lymphoma, not Burkitt.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.