Bilateral jaw involvement of Burkitt's lymphoma in a 5-year-old: Rare pediatric case with review of the literature.

introduction and importanceBurkitt lymphoma (BL) is a rapidly progressing tumor that requires urgent diagnosis and treatment. It is the first human neoplasm linked to a viral cause and is classified into three subtypes: sporadic, endemic, and immunodeficiency-associated. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a rare case of a 5-year-old boy who presented to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department with a two-month history of bilateral maxillary swelling and pain. He had no significant medical history. An incisional biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of Burkitt's lymphoma. The patient underwent chemotherapy following the R-COPADM protocol. Despite stage III diffuse lymph node involvement, treatment was successful. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Oral and maxillofacial involvement of BL in pediatric patients are extremely rare, with an estimated prevalence of 0.5 % to 6 %. In this case, the disease extended beyond the jaws to involve the maxillary sinuses, orbit, and zygomatic bone. Histologically, the classic "starry-sky" pattern was notable in most tissue sections.

conclusionThis case highlights the importance of early recognition and prompt multidisciplinary intervention in pediatric Burkitt lymphoma to prevent widespread disease progression and improve survival outcomes.