Dance Moms star Abby Lee Miller speaks out about her ordeal that led to her cancer diagnosis. Burkitt lymphoma is an aggressive type of cancer that is more common in children living in sub-Saharan Africa.
Abby Lee Miller Speaks Out
Miller finally talked about the ordeal she had gone through, from being treated for neck pain to being diagnosed with a rare type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. In an Instagram post, Miller shared a photo of herself along with a message of gratitude for those whose actions saved her life.
So much gratitude and love for those who listened,those who looked deeper and those who leapt into action. So much more I wish I could say......about how quickly your life can change at the hands of others. Thanks for #abbyleemiller #abbylee #aldc #aldcla #aldcalways #dancemoms #iwilldance A post shared by Abby Lee Miller (@therealabbylee) on Apr 21, 2018 at 10:06am PDT
Miller's ordeal began when she was rushed to the emergency room after complaining of excruciating neck pain and noticeable weakness in her left arm. She was initially believed to be suffering from a spinal infection, and doctors performed an emergency surgery at 1 a.m. to relieve some of the pressure from her spinal cord. At the time, doctors stated that if they had not done anything, Miller was going to die.
However, a day after the four-hour surgery, Miller's doctors changed their diagnosis from a spinal infection to Burkitt Lymphoma. So far, as doctors are waiting for the advice of oncologists regarding the next steps for her treatment, Miller is said to be recovering well, although she may still need additional spinal surgery.
Burkitt Lymphoma
Burkitt lymphoma is a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of cancer that primarily affects the body's lymphatic system.
The condition is often seen in children in the sub-Saharan Africa where it is commonly associated with Epstein-Barr Virus and malaria. However, the condition has also been observed outside of Africa where it is then associated with a compromised immune system.
The symptoms of Burkitt lymphoma may vary depending on the type, whether it is sporadic, endemic, or immunodeficiency-related. These types are classified based on the geographical location of the patient, as well as the part of the body that is affected by the disease.
Sporadic Burkitt lymphoma mostly affects the lower abdomen where the small intestine ends and the big intestine begins. It is often associated with EBV and while it does occur out of Africa, such cases are quite rare. Its symptoms include abdominal swelling, distortion of facial bones, obstruction in the intestines, night sweats, enlarged thyroid, and enlarged tonsils.
Endemic lymphoma is also often seen in Africa and is commonly associated with EBV and malaria. It often affects the facial and jaw bone, but may also affect the kidneys, breasts, small intestine, and ovaries. Its symptoms include swelling, facial bone distortion, and rapid lymph node growth. This type of tumor may grow so rapidly that it may sometimes grow twice its size in less than 24 hours.
Lastly, the immunodeficiency type of Burkitt lymphoma is linked with the use of immunosuppressive drugs such as the ones used to prevent transplant rejection and to treat HIV and AIDS. Its symptoms are similar to sporadic Burkitt lymphoma.
Burkitt Lymphoma Treatment
Burkitt lymphoma is often treated with a combination chemotherapy and radiation, but those with intestinal blocking may require surgery. In Burkitt lymphoma patients, the chemotherapy drugs are injected directly into the spinal fluid to prevent cancer from spreading to the central nervous system, and those who get this treatment often have the best outcomes.
