INTRODUCTION
Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a highly aggressive B cell non Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) which manifests in 3 different clinical forms: the endemic form, the sporadic form and the immunodeficiency associated form.1–3
They are histologically identical but there are differences in epidemiology, clinical presentation and genetic characteristics.2 The endemic variant is most prevalent in Africa due to chronic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and malaria.4,5 The sporadic form is most observed in the Western world. In the developed world BL accounts for about 80% of all B-cell NHL in children.2–4,6 The immunodeficiency associated variant is mostly seen in patients with AIDS or other immune compromising disorders.2
The endemic form involves the jaw in over 50% of cases. It often manifests as a painless facial mass that spreads to extra nodal foci.2,7 The sporadic form commonly comes with a bulky abdominal mass.5,8 Oral lesions are presented in 9% of the cases of the sporadic form.9 Adenopathies and bone marrow involvement are present more often in the immunodeficiency associated form, with the clinical presentation similar to that of the sporadic form of BL.8
Focusing on oral presentation, the mandible is the most frequent location. The posterior part of the jaw is the most affected area.7 Swelling, pain, dental displacements and facial asymmetry are the main findings in oral BL.10 Other reported symptoms are increased tooth mobility and tooth pain because of infiltration in the pulp, especially by developing teeth.7 Paresthesia of the inferior alveolar nerve or other sensory facial nerves is common.10