Burkitt Lymphoma Presenting as Menorrhagia and a Vaginal Mass in an Adolescent

J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2019 Feb;32(1):90-92. doi: 10.1016/j.jpag.2018.09.009. Epub 2018 Sep 29.

Abstract

Background: Menorrhagia is a common gynecologic complaint among adolescents, which rarely is secondary to malignancy. Burkitt lymphoma can mimic gynecologic malignancy, however it is rarely seen in adolescents. Burkitt lymphoma of the gynecologic tract requires early diagnosis and intervention for optimal outcomes.

Case: We report a case of a 15-year-old adolescent who had multiple admissions for menorrhagia that was thought to be secondary to anovulatory bleeding until pelvic ultrasound revealed a large 8-cm vaginal/cervical mass. Histologic examination of the biopsy specimen revealed Burkitt lymphoma, which was treated with chemotherapy leading to resolution of her menorrhagia.

Summary and conclusion: Burkitt lymphoma presenting as a vaginal/cervical mass is exceedingly rare, especially in the adolescent patient. Burkitt lymphoma is generally highly responsive to chemotherapy, and symptoms rapidly improve after initiation of treatment.

Keywords: Burkitt lymphoma; Vaginal bleeding; Vaginal mass.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Burkitt Lymphoma / complications
  • Burkitt Lymphoma / diagnosis*
  • Burkitt Lymphoma / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Menorrhagia / etiology*
  • Pelvis / diagnostic imaging
  • Ultrasonography
  • Vagina / pathology
  • Vaginal Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Vaginal Neoplasms / pathology*