Burkitt's lymphoma of the jaws: role of dental practitioner in management.

Burkitts lymphoma, a malignant solid tumour of B lymphocytes grouped under the umbrella of non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphoma. Burkitt's lymphoma is known to be endemic in Africa but can occur sporadically in other part of the world. It is one of the most aggressive malignancies in human body. In the past, the prognosis was very poor, however; complex chemotherapeutic regimens can now cure approximately 50-80 percent of adult patients with Burkitt's lymphoma, and in paediatric populations, the cure rate is even higher This report describes a typical case of Burkitt's lymphoma of the jaws with associated rapid spread. This type of rapid progression calls for the need for prompt recognition and life saving referral by the general dental practitioner The clinical features of Burkitt's lymphoma involving the jaws include severely mobile teeth, displaced teeth and generalized lymphadenopathy (submandibular, cervical, axillary and inguinal). The objective of this case report and review of the literature is to highlight the clinical and histopathological features of Burkitt's lymphoma to help general dental practitioner and clinicians recognize such cases readily and facilitate prompt and potentially life-saving referral.