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Pediatric Mandibular Burkitt Lymphoma Initially Misdiagnosed as Odontogenic Infection: A Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Burkitt lymphoma is a highly aggressive mature B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by MYC dysregulation and a high proliferative index. Although the sporadic form commonly presents with abdominal involvement, maxillofacial manifestations in children may mimic odontogenic infections, leading to delayed diagnosis. We report a nine-year-old boy with a rapidly progressive unilateral mandibular swelling initially treated as a dental abscess without improvement. Imaging revealed an ill-defined osteolytic mandibular lesion with cortical erosion and soft tissue extension, raising suspicion for malignancy. Histopathology demonstrated monomorphic medium-sized atypical lymphoid cells with high mitotic activity. Immunohistochemistry confirmed B-cell lineage (CD20, CD10, BCL6, c-MYC) with a Ki-67 index of 95%, consistent with Burkitt lymphoma. The patient was treated with rituximab-based multi-agent chemotherapy and showed a favorable response. This case highlights the importance of early radiologic-pathologic correlation and prompt biopsy in atypical pediatric mandibular swellings to enable timely diagnosis and management.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.106008

Authors: Abhishek Singh, Avneesh Malviya, Sibgutulah Rashid, Mohit Singh, Manas Aeran

Institutions: Graphic Era University, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna

Language: English

Topic: Lymphoma Diagnosis and Treatment

Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7141854899