Atypical presentation of oral Burkitt lymphoma in an adult: a case report

Burkitt lymphoma is an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin B cell lymphoma. Oral lesions often are a component of the disseminated disease process that may involve regional lymph nodes or may at times represent the primary extranodal form of the disease. However, isolated oral Burkitt lymphoma in adults is extremely rare.

We report the case of a 26-years-old Caucasian Moroccan woman with oral Burkitt lymphoma without any other general symptoms. It presented as swelling of the left mandibular and maxillary soft tissue progressing for 1 month. The unilateral location in both maxilla and mandible is an atypical feature. The diagnosis was based on clinical and radiographic features. Furthermore, the histopathological examination and immunochemistry was of paramount importance for making the final diagnosis of oral Burkitt lymphoma.

BL is considered an emergency. Early diagnosis and rapid referral are needed, and consequently, the role of the dentist in the diagnosis is important and crucial.