Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a rapidly progressing subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) categorized into three clinical variants: endemic, sporadic, and immunodeficiency-related. Jaw involvement is frequent in endemic BL but uncommon in sporadic cases, and it rarely serves as the initial sign of disease. This report aims to describe an unusual pediatric case of sporadic BL initially presenting as gingival enlargements and increased tooth mobility, along with a review of previously documented sporadic BL cases with oral symptoms as the first indication. Case report: An 11-year-old Caucasian girl presented with loosening of the lower posterior teeth and tender gingival swellings lasting 20 days. Examination revealed right facial swelling and bilateral gingival enlargements in the posterior mandible. A panoramic X-ray demonstrated bilateral poorly defined radiolucencies in the posterior mandible. Computed tomography showed soft-tissue growths extending from the mandibular ramus into both maxillary sinuses. Histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluations confirmed the diagnosis of BL. Staging investigations identified bone marrow infiltration and disseminated disease. The patient received combination chemotherapy, resulting in the rapid regression of oral lesions within several weeks and complete remission after nine treatment cycles. She has remained disease-free for 11 years. Conclusions: This case highlights the necessity of early detection and prompt referral of fast-growing jaw lesions that might represent the first clinical clue of an aggressive lymphoid malignancy such as BL.
