How can Burkitt lymphoma present in adults?

Burkitt lymphoma is a type of aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by rapidly growing tumors. In adults, it often presents as an abdominal or pelvic mass, which can be attributed to the proliferation of lymphoma cells in the abdominal viscera, including the intestines, retroperitoneum, or lymph nodes. This mass effect can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, distension, or obstruction depending on its size and location.

The presentation of an abdominal or pelvic mass is crucial because it reflects how the disease can affect organ systems directly, leading to significant clinical symptoms. In adults, the visceral involvement can often be more pronounced compared to pediatric cases, where it frequently manifests primarily in the jaw or facial region. Recognizing abdominal or pelvic masses in the context of lymphoproliferative disorders is important for diagnosis and subsequent treatment planning.

The other options, while they may relate to various health conditions, do not specifically highlight the typical presentation of Burkitt lymphoma in adults. Thus, abdominal or pelvic mass is the most significant and characteristic finding associated with this type of lymphoma.