Sinonasal Burkitt Lymphoma in a 2-Year-Old Child: An Uncommon Case Report

Ear Nose Throat J. 2023 Jun 26:1455613231182659. doi: 10.1177/01455613231182659. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Burkitt Lymphoma (BL) is a highly aggressive B-type non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It rarely develops at the level of the sinonasal cavities, especially in young children. We present the case of a 2-year-old boy who presented with a 2-month history of nasal obstruction, snoring, and epistaxis followed by a recent dyspnea. Examination revealed a protruding tissue mass in the left nasal cavity. Computed tomography scan showed a homogenous soft-tissue mass in the left nasal cavity extending toward the ipsilateral orbit, infratemporal fossa, nasopharynx, as well as the ethmoid and maxillary sinuses. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a homogenous infiltrating mass with a hypo-intense signal on T2-weighted images reaching the infratemporal fossa and oropharynx. Biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of BL. The patient was referred to the clinical hematology department and received complex chemotherapy. Following chemotherapy, imaging revealed significant regression of the mass. We performed a nasopharyngeal biopsy which confirmed the absence of any persistent disease. This case report highlights a rare case of an extensive sinonasal BL emphasizing the importance of a high level of suspicion to ensure an early diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords: cancer; nasal cavity; pediatrics; rhinology.