11-year-old’s cancer misdiagnosed as tonsillitis leads to Stage 4 Burkitt lymphoma diagnosis

An 11-year-old UK girl, Armaie “Melly” Burrows-Pitt, was eventually diagnosed with Stage 4 Burkitt lymphoma after doctors initially treated her fatigue and loss of appetite as tonsillitis; she spent 15 days in hospital, then was moved to Birmingham Children’s Hospital where she began six months of chemotherapy as the cancer spread to her spleen, liver and bone marrow. Her family, frustrated by the delayed diagnosis, has launched fundraisers to cover treatment costs and support Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House, planning trips and experiences for Melly during treatment.