Disseminated Burkitt’s Lymphoma with a Pancreatic Mass in a HIV Positive Woman Diagnosed by Axillary Lymph Node Biopsy

Abstract

Burkitt’s Lymphoma (BL) is a highly aggressive B cell lymphoma of non Hodgkin’s type usually presenting in extranodal sites for endemic and sporadic types of the disease. Like other Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphomas (NHL), HIV positive associated BL is associated with peripheral Lymphadenopathy. We present a case of 22-year-old newly diagnosed HIV positive female patient who presented with generalized peripheral lymphadenopathy and obstructive jaundice. Initial work up was suggestive of acute pancreatitis with further evaluation revealing a pancreatic head mass. BL was confirmed both by axillary lymph node biopsy and immunohistochemistry highlighting the importance of high index of suspicion and prompt histopathological diagnosis to enable treatment of this fatal disease that is potentially curable.