HIV-related non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Case report and review of the literature

Main Article Content

Davide Giordano
Andrea Castellucci
Francesco Merli
Elisa Garlassi
Carmine Pernice

Keywords

Burkitt’s lymphoma, dysphagia, HIV, Highly active antiretroviral therapy

Abstract

Background: HIV-related Burkitt’s lymphoma with initial oropharyngeal presentation is rarely reported. The aim of this paper is to report the clinical findings of an unusual case of a patient with extranodal oropharyngeal Burkitt’s lymphoma as presenting disease of an unknown HIV positivity and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Methods: We reported the case of a hispanic patient with extranodal oropharyngeal Burkitt’s lymphoma as presenting disease of an unknown HIV positivity and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. We describe the diagnostic work-up and treatment of this rare case of extranodal oropharyngeal Burkitt’s lymphoma. Results: Histological exam on oropharyngeal incision biopsy documented a Burkitt’s lymphoma. The patient underwent highly active antiretroviral therapy and chemotherapy. After two years of follow-up the patient shows no signs of recurrence from disease. Conclusions: HIV-related Burkitt’s lymphoma presenting with primary oropharyngeal involvement is rare, with rapidly progressing dysphagia, and does not respond to antibiotherapy. Patients should undergo incision biopsy to rule out a malignancy. In young adults, diagnosis of Burkitt’s lymphoma should suggest HIV infection. The importance of a prompt diagnosis in such cases is essential to correctly adequately staging the disease to start highly active antiretroviral therapy and chemotherapy as soon as possible.

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