Gingival hypertrophy in a child: Expect the unexpected

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Hematology Oncology
• Oral Pathology

Background:

• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a common childhood malignancy.
• AML typically presents with signs of marrow failure.
• Gingival hypertrophy (GH) is an uncommon manifestation of AML.

Observation:

• A 3-year-old male child presented with significant gingival hypertrophy.
• The gingival enlargement was the primary clinical sign noted.
• Further investigation revealed acute myeloid leukemia, subtype M5 (FAB classification).

Findings:

• The case demonstrates an extremely rare presentation of AML.
• Gingival hypertrophy served as the initial indicator of the disease.
• AML M5 subtype was diagnosed based on the clinical presentation and subsequent pathology.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering rare presentations of AML in pediatric patients.
• Oral manifestations like GH can be the first sign of underlying malignancy.
• Awareness of such presentations aids in early diagnosis and timely treatment of childhood AML.