J Periodontal Implant Sci.  2014 Dec;44(6):293-299. 10.5051/jpis.2014.44.6.293.

Oral signs of acute leukemia for early detection

• Lim HC
• Kim CS

• KMID: 1820402
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5051/jpis.2014.44.6.293

Abstract

PURPOSE
Systemic disease can manifest oral signs at an early phase, which may be crucial for the diagnosis and timing of treatment. This report describes two patients who presented with gingival enlargement as an early sign of acute leukemia.
METHODS
Two patients presented with oral symptoms including severe gingival enlargement. The progress of their symptoms was associated with underlying systemic disease.
RESULTS
The patients were transferred to the Department of Hematology and diagnosed with acute myelomonocytic leukemia. They received appropriate treatment and survived.
CONCLUSIONS
Gingival enlargement can be caused by underlying systemic diseases. Accurate diagnosis and timely referral are important for preventing a fatal situation. It must be emphasized that some oral signs and symptoms may be closely correlated with systemic diseases.

Keyword

Dentist; Gingival hyperplasia; Leukemia

MeSH Terms

Dentists
Diagnosis
Gingival Hyperplasia
Hematology
Humans
Leukemia*
Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Acute
Referral and Consultation

Figure

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  Figure 1 Clinical photographs of case 1 at the initial visit (A-C: facial view).

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  Figure 2 Clinical photographs of case 1 at the initial visit (A: occlusal view of the maxilla; B: occlusal view of the mandible).

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  Figure 3 Radiographic view of case 1.

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  Figure 4 Clinical photographs of case 1 after chemotherapy (A-C: facial view).

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  Figure 5 Clinical photographs of case 1 after chemotherapy (A: occlusal view of the maxilla; B: occlusal view of the mandible).

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  Figure 6 Radiographic views of case 2 (A: panoramic view; B: computed tomographic view; C-E: three-dimensional reconstructed images).

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