EBV Associated Malignancies — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateMicrobiologyEBV Associated MalignanciesMFDS Part 1

Which option contains two malignancies that are both classically associated with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)?

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Correct answer: A — Burkitt lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Burkitt lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma are both classically associated with EBV. The association is particularly strong in endemic Burkitt lymphoma, which commonly affects the jaws of children, and in non-keratinising nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Some Hodgkin lymphomas and extranodal NK/T-cell lymphomas are also EBV-associated, but the other tumour in each corresponding option is not: tongue squamous cell carcinoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, ameloblastic carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma have no established classical EBV aetiology. Oral hairy leukoplakia is also EBV-related but is a benign epithelial lesion rather than a malignancy.

Reference: Bakkalci D et al. Risk factors for Epstein Barr virus-associated cancers: a systematic review, critical appraisal, and mapping of the epidemiological evidence. Journal of Global Health. 2020;10(1):010405. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32257153/