Burkitt lymphoma masquerading as nasopharyngeal angiofibroma

Abstract

Primary nasopharyngeal (NP) lymphoma is a very rare tumor. Burkitt lymphoma is a subtype of non-Hodgkin’s B cell lymphoma. It is rare in the Waldeyer’s ring (3-5%). It is a highly aggressive, highly chemo sensitive lymphoma seen predominantly in childhood. Presenting a unique case of an 11 year old, male child presented to us with the chief complaints of bilateral nasal obstruction since 1 month, 6-7 episodes of nasal bleed since 1 week. Radiologically, a large soft tissue density mass lesion was seen in the region of nasopharynx, extending into the para/retro pharyngeal space. Excisional biopsy of the mass lesion histopathologic evaluation was suggestive of small round blue cell tumor, later confirmed to be Burkitt lymphoma after a bone marrow biopsy. Nasopharyngeal NHL should be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis, apart from inflammatory adenoid hypertrophy and benign tumors such as JNA while evaluating a nasopharyngeal mass in children. Nasopharyngeal NHL are highly chemo sensitive, therefore, an early diagnosis can aid timely commencement of chemotherapy and prevent progression and complications of the disease.