Abstract
Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma frequently associated with immunodeficiency states such as HIV infection. This case report describes a 27-year-old male from the Brazilian Amazon who presented with multiple ulcerated gingival swellings, leading to a diagnosis of BL based on histopathological and immunohistochemical findings. The tumor showed a diffuse proliferation of monomorphic medium-sized lymphoid cells with a characteristic starry-sky pattern and immunoreactivity for LCA, CD20, PAX-5, BCL-6, CD10, and MYC, with a Ki-67 index >95 %. Subsequent serological testing revealed a previously undiagnosed HIV infection. Despite prompt initiation of antiretroviral therapy, the patient's condition rapidly deteriorated, resulting in death within two weeks. This case underscores the importance of oral manifestations as early indicators of systemic diseases and highlights the urgent need to improve diagnostic access and healthcare infrastructure in underserved regions.
Overview
- This case report describes a 27-year-old male diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma (BL) based on histopathological and immunohistochemical findings.
- The patient presented with multiple ulcerated gingival swellings, a characteristic oral manifestation of BL.
- The study aims to highlight the importance of oral manifestations as early indicators of systemic diseases and the need to improve diagnostic access and healthcare infrastructure in underserved regions.
Comparative Analysis & Findings
- The patient's tumor showed a diffuse proliferation of monomorphic medium-sized lymphoid cells with a characteristic starry-sky pattern.
- Immunohistochemical findings revealed immunoreactivity for LCA, CD20, PAX-5, BCL-6, CD10, and MYC, with a Ki-67 index >95 %.
- Subsequent serological testing revealed a previously undiagnosed HIV infection.
Implications and Future Directions
- This case emphasizes the importance of including oral manifestations in the evaluation of patients with suspected systemic diseases.
- Improved diagnostic access and healthcare infrastructure are crucial for undererved regions to address the challenges of BL diagnosis and treatment.
- Future research should focus on developing reliable diagnostic markers and therapeutic strategies for BL, particularly in areas with limited resources.