The primary cause of Burkitt Lymphoma is the translocation of the c-MYC gene to a region under control of the immunoglobulin heavy or light chain gene enhancers, leading to uncontrolled cell division. The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is commonly associated with the endemic form of Burkitt Lymphoma, particularly in African children. In contrast, the sporadic form, more common in Western countries, and the immunodeficiency-associated form, often seen in patients with HIV/AIDS, may not always have a direct association with EBV.
