A case of Burkitt's lymphoma that presented initially with resorption of alveolar bone

A 16-year-old male was evaluated for a 1-month history of alveolar bone res orption, which had been treated with endodontics by a neighborhood dentist. Intraoral examination showed slight gingival swelling and teeth mobility. However, no tumor mass was seen. The panoramic image showed resorption of a lveolar bone and loss of teeth lamina dura. Because he complained of genera l fatigue, he was introduced to the internist, Biopsies of gingiva and bone marrow aspiration revealed a massive proliferation of lymphoblasts express ing CD10, 19, 20 and HLA-DR antigens on the surface. Their karyotypes were abnormal; 46, XY, t (8;14) (q24;q32). Accordingly, he was diagnosed as Burk itt's lymphoma, and received intensive chemotherapy which relieved his symp toms and decreased his tumor. However, his disease soon became refractory t o chemotherapy, and he died 11 weeks after the onset.