Leukemic gingival enlargement

Abstract

Leukemia is a malignancy characterized by proliferation of abnormal white blood cells within the bone marrow , Leukemic cells may also infiltrate into the body tissues, such as skin, spleen, gingiva, lymph nodes and central nervous system.

- The etiology of leukemia is poorly defined. However, chemical injuries, chromosomal abnormalities, radiation exposure and viral infections are implicated which may result in significant morbidity and mortality.

- leukemia is classified into chronic, sub-acute and acute. Acute leukemia is abrupt in onset and aggressive. The oral cavity manifests signs of various systemic diseases Typical oral manifestations of acute leukemia include gingival swelling, oral ulceration, spontaneous gingival bleeding, petechial, mucosal pallor, herpetic infections and candidiasis. - Oral changes maybe the first and only presenting features in leukemia patients, making it imperative for the dentist to diagnose the disease accurately.