Burkitt‐like lymphoma presenting as a periodontal disease in AIDS patients: a report of two cases

Burkitt‐like lymphoma of the oral cavity is relatively uncommon in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The lesion usually appears as a solitary ulcerated mass with rapid onset. Some may present initially as gingival inflammation which delays final diagnosis and treatment. This report describes the presentations of multifocal intraoral Burkitt‐like lymphoma in two Thai heterosexual men with AIDS. The clinical features and the radiographic findings in both cases mimicked a periodontal disease, showing extensive widening of the periodontal ligament space and loss of lamina dura in all segments of the molar teeth. The patients eventually died 5 and 14 months after they were diagnosed with HIV infection.