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