An undiagnosed case of acute myeloid leukemia

Oral manifestations of leukemia as part of early diagnosis

Introduction

The oral cavity can present the first clinical manifestations of leukemia, therefore; it is important to recognize their principal characteristics.

Objective

To identify oral manifestations as the first clinical signs of leukemia.

Methods

This is an integrative review, that gathered data from articles with oral manifestations of leukemia as part of its first clinical features. The were included case reports, case series, clinical research, or reviews with case reports. The variables that were considered relevant: age, sex, sites of the oral lesions, characteristics of the oral lesions, medical history and physical examination, time of evolution, radiographic examination, blood test results, initial diagnosis, differential diagnosis and final diagnosis.

Results

A total of 31 studies were included, with a total of 33 individuals identified. There were 19 (57.57%) males and 14 (42.42%) females. The age range was from 1.6 to 74 years. Acute myeloid leukemia (72.72%) and acute lymphoid leukemia (18.18%) presented more oral manifestations as the first clinical signs of the disease. All individuals with leukemia presented lesions, such as ulcer, erosion, bleeding, ecchymosis, color change of the bluish or pale mucous membranes and areas of tissue necrosis. Hard tissue lesions were less frequent, being 6 (18.18%).

Conclusion

The first clinical manifestations of leukemia can be present in the oral cavity, mainly in acute myeloid leukemia. The principal oral tissues affected were gingival tissue, buccal mucosa and hard and/or soft palate. When hard tissues, such as the maxilla bone or mandible bone were affected, dental mobility was the principal clinical sign.

Oral health status in adult patients with newly diagnosed acute leukemia

BACKGROUND

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the oral health of adult patients with newly diagnosed acute leukemia.

METHODS

Patients with initially diagnosed acute myeloid (AML) or lymphocytic (ALL) leukemia and a matched healthy control (HC) group were included. The oral investigation comprised inspection of the oral mucosa; the decayed (D), missing (M), and filled (F) teeth (DMF-T) index; and a detailed periodontal status. Subgingival biofilm samples were analyzed (polymerase chain reaction) for the presence of selected potentially periodontal pathogenic bacteria. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test, chi-squared test, and Mann-Whitney U test (significance level α = 5%).

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients with leukemia (AML 26, ALL 13) and 38 HCs were included. Oral mucosal findings were present in 62% of L compared to 0% of HC patients, whereby gingival hyperplasia was the most detected finding. Furthermore, a higher caries prevalence in leukemia patients was shown (D value 3.64 ± 3.98 vs. 0.72 ± 1.72, p < 0.01). The periodontal parameters were poorer in leukemia patients. No substantial differences in microbiological findings of selected bacteria were detected within L group and between L and HC patients.

CONCLUSION

The high prevalence of oral diseases supports the demand of an early and consequent dental treatment of leukemia patients, especially considering subsequent therapy.