Chronic lymphocytic leukemia of B-cell origin: oral manifestations and dental treatment planning

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or CLL, is the most common form of leukemia in the Western Hemisphere, accounting for approximately 30 percent of all cases. With patients having an expected life span of more than seven years, CLL is a relatively indolent hematologic malignant disease that, while incurable, often has a prognosis compatible with relatively normal dental treatment planning. The authors present four case reports of CLL in a dental setting, as well as an update on the diagnosis, prognosis and dental treatment of patients with CLL of B-lymphocyte origin.