They do not express surface immunoglobulin. Testing for Tdt and these other markers is part of working up a new lymphoblastic lymphoma. The chromatin is coarse, and the multiple nucleoli are prominent. On smears, the amphophilic cytoplasm includes numerous lipid-laden cytoplasmic vacuoles. In Burkitt's-like lymphoma, there is more cytologic variantion in size and shape.
Nuclear chromatin tends to be more open, often with single, prominent nucleoli.
The poor prognosis of endemic Burkitt's lymphoma is tied to its occurrence mainly in under-developed countries with less sophisticated medical facilities. Both diseases, however, may respond well to intensive chemotherapy. The following table compares and contrasts features of these 3 types of Burkitt's lymphoma. Children and adolescents. 30 to 50 years of age.