Carotid space Burkitt lymphoma presenting with headache: A case report

Burkitt's lymphoma presents with diverse clinical manifestations, including rare extranodal occurrences. This report documents a unique case of primary Burkitt's lymphoma located in the carotid space, an infrequent presentation with significant diagnostic implications. A 25-year-old male presented with the sudden onset severe headache and nausea. Imaging revealed an infiltrative lesion encompassing the right carotid sheath, extending into the superior retropharynx and nasopharynx. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mapping demonstrated significant restriction. A core needle biopsy confirmed Burkitt's lymphoma diagnosis. Following the initiation of chemotherapy, follow-up imaging showed significant tumor regression. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges associated with carotid space tumors and underscores the pivotal role of imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in their comprehensive evaluation. Multidisciplinary management, including aggressive chemotherapy, is imperative for achieving favorable outcomes in rare extranodal lymphomas like Burkitt's. Further research is warranted to refine diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for managing such complex cases.