Leukemic Oral Manifestations and their Management

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Oral Medicine

Background:

• Leukemia is a common pediatric malignancy affecting white blood cells.
• Oral manifestations are frequent in leukemia patients, signaling disease onset or relapse.
• Existing literature lacks comprehensive summaries of oral changes across leukemia types.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and describe the oral manifestations associated with all types of leukemia.
• To outline dental management strategies for leukemic patients.
• To support early diagnosis and enhance patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on oral manifestations in various leukemia types.
• Synthesis of information on primary (leukemic cell infiltration) and secondary (thrombocytopenia, neutropenia) causes of oral lesions.
• Compilation of dental management considerations.

Main Results:

• Oral symptoms include gingival enlargement, bleeding, ulceration, petechia, pallor, noma, trismus, and infections.
• Lesions occur in both acute and chronic forms of all leukemia subtypes.
• Manifestations result from direct leukemic cell infiltration or secondary complications.

Conclusions:

• Oral manifestations are significant indicators in leukemia diagnosis and management.
• A comprehensive understanding of these oral changes is crucial for clinicians.
• This review provides a foundation for improved dental care and patient outcomes in leukemia.