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Oral manifestations of leukemia as part of early diagnosis

ABSTRACT

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.

Keywords:
Leukemia; Diagnosis; Oral; Mouth; Oral manifestations

Introduction

Leukemia is a component of oncohematological diseases. Healthy blood cells are replaced with modified immature cells in the bone marrow and circulate through the bloodstream. The classification of lymphoid or myeloid leukemia can be determined by considering the time, whether the leukemia is acute or chronic and the cell type.11 Ferlay J, Colombet M, Soerjomataram I, Mathers C, Parkin DM, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Bray F. Estimating the global cancer incidence and mortality in 2018: GLOBOCAN sources and methods. Int J Cancer. 2019;144(8):1941–53.,22 Redaelli A, Stephens JM, Laskin BL, Pashos CL, Botteman MF. The burden and outcomes associated with four leukemias: AML, ALL, CLL and CML. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther. 2003;3 (3):311–29. https://doi.org/10.1586/14737140.3.3.311.
https://doi.org/10.1586/14737140.3.3.311...

The worldwide incidence of leukemia is 437,033 cases, with 30,906 deaths estimated in 2019. The highest prevalence is in males, and acute and chronic leukemia mainly affect the infant/juvenile population and adult population, respectively.33 Bray F, Ferlay J, Soerjomataram I. Global Cancer Statistics 2018 : GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. CA Cancer J Clin. 2018;68:394–424. https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21492.
https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21492...

Given that leukemia is a systemic disease that affects blood components, individuals affected by this disease may present with petechiae, hematomas, ecchymosis and bleeding in different parts of the body, including the mouth, during the physical examination.44 Watson E, Wood RE, Maxymiw WG, Schimmer AD. Prevalence of oral lesions in and dental needs of patients with newly diagnosed acute leukemia. J Am Dent Assoc. 2018;149(6):470–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2018.01.019.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2018.01.0...

The early identification of this disease allows individuals to start treatment as soon as possible and increases their chances of survival. Therefore, considering that the oral cavity can present the first clinical manifestations of leukemia (MOLs), its recognition from the beginning of the disease is important.55 Hou GL, Huang JS, Tsai CC. Analysis of oral manifestations of leukemia: a retrospective study. Oral Dis. 1997;3(1):31–8. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-0825.1997.tb00006.x.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-0825.1997...
, 66 Burke VP, Startzell JM. The Lleukemias. Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 2008;20(4):597–608. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coms.2008.06.011.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coms.2008.06.0...
, 77 Cammarata-Scalisi F, Girardi K, Strocchio L, Merli P, Garret-Bernardin A, Galeotti A, et al. Oral manifestations and complications in childhood acute myeloid leukemia. Cancers (Basel). 2020;12(6):1634. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers12061634.
https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers12061634...

In recent years, few studies have reported oral manifestations as the first clinical signs of leukemia because these manifestations are usually mentioned in clinical case reports that vary from individual to individual and with the type of leukemia.88 Francisconi CF, Caldas RJ, Martins LJ, Rubira CM. Santos PS da S. Leukemic oral manifestations and their management. Asian Pacific J Cancer Prev. 2016;17(3):911-5. https://doi.org/10.7314/APJCP.2016.17.3.911.
https://doi.org/10.7314/APJCP.2016.17.3....
This integrative review aimed to identify which tissues of the mouth presented the first MOLs and describes the characteristics that allowed the guiding of the diagnosis of leukemia via clinical signs in the mouth as part of the first clinical manifestations of the disease.

Material and methods

This study is an integrative review that gathered data from articles to describe the clinical MOLs in the oral cavity when they were present as the first clinical signs of the disease and those that contributed to guide the final diagnosis.

Structured research was performed by searching the PubMed and Scopus databases using the following terms: “(first (OR) initial OR early) AND (oral manifestation OR oral sign OR oral lesion) AND (leukemia).”

Articles published in Portuguese, English or Spanish from 2008 to 2020 were included, including case reports, case series, clinical research and reviews that included case reports. The entire publication file had to be available and had to report oral manifestations as the first clinical signs of leukemia. Animal studies, review articles, studies in other languages not mentioned in the inclusion criteria and clinical cases or research articles in which the oral manifestation of leukemia were not part of the first clinical signs of the disease were excluded.

A total of 31 articles fulfilled all the pre-established inclusion criteria. All the information obtained was distributed in a table that contains 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. (Figure 1)

Figure 1
Flow diagram of the studies included in the integrative review.

Results

A total of 31 studies that mentioned oral manifestations as part of the first clinical signs of leukemia were included. All studies included were clinical case reports or literature reviews that included at least one clinical case report with all the previously described variables.

In the case reports included in this integrative review, the evaluation and initial diagnosis of leukemia were performed principally by dentists who were the first health professionals to come into contact with the patients. Moreover, the dentists also referred the patients to the hematologist and/or oncologist to perform other analyses to establish the final diagnosis. Table 1 describes the characteristics of the 31 case reports.

Table 1
Principal characteristics of individuals with oral manifestations as first clinical signs of leukemia.

A total of 33 individuals were identified in the selected studies: 19 males (57.57%)99 Ratre M, Gulati R, Khetarpal S, Parihar A. Regular oral screening and vigilance: can it be a potential lifesaver? J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2018;22(2):171. https://doi.org/10.4103/jisp.jisp_136_18.
https://doi.org/10.4103/jisp.jisp_136_18...
,1010 Chae HS, Byun J-S, Jung J-K, Choi J-K. Trismus as an orofacial manifestation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. J Oral Med Pain. 2017;42(2):49–52. https://doi.org/10.14476/jomp.2017.42.2.49.
https://doi.org/10.14476/jomp.2017.42.2....
,1111 Shimizu R, Ohga N, Miyakoshi M, Asaka T, Sato J, Kitagawa Y. Unusual maxillary osteoblastic and osteolytic lesions presenting as an initial manifestation of childhood acute myeloid leukemia: a case report. Quintessence Int (Berl). 2017;48(2):149–53. https://doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.a37383.
https://doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.a37383...
, 1212 Chung SW, Kim S, Choi JR, Yoo TH, Cha IH. Osteolytic mandible presenting as an initial manifestation of an adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2011;40 (12):1438–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijom.2011.01.013.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijom.2011.01.0...
, 1313 Aronovich S, Connolly TW. Pericoronitis as an initial manifestation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a case report. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2008;66(4):804-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2006.10.062.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2006.10.0...
, 1414 Sepulveda E, Brethauer U, Fernandez E, Cortes G, Mardones C. Oral manifestations as first clinical sign of acute myeloid leukemia: report of a case. Pediatr Dent. 2021;34(5):418–21 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23211920.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23211...
, 1515 Dalirsani Z, Javadzade Bolouri A, Delavarian Z, Bidad S, Sanatkhani M, Amirchaghmaghi M. Human T-lymphotropic virus-1 associated with adult T-cell lymphoma/leukemia and generalized expansion of palatal and jaw bones: a rare case report. J Dent (Shiraz Univ Med Sci. 2015;16(3):214–8., 1616 Guan G, Firth N. Oral manifestations as an early clinical sign of acute myeloid leukaemia : a case report. 2015:123–7. doi:10.1111/adj.12272
https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12272...
, 1717 Martini V, Schiavone P, Bonacina R, Mariani U, Rambaldi A. NK leukemia: a rare case of oral manifestations representing the initial sign. Ann Stomatol (Roma). 2013;4(Suppl 2). 28–28., 1818 Suarez-Cuenca JA, Arellano-Snchez JL, Sacherling-Ocampo AA, Sanchez-Hernandez G, Perez-Guevara D, Chalapud-Revelo JR. Rapidly progressing, fatal and acute promyelocytic leukaemia that initially manifested as a painful third molar: a case report. J Med Case Rep. 2009;3:1–6. https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-3-102.
https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-3-102...
,1919 Misirlioglu M, Adisen MZ, Yilmaz S. Diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia in a dental hospital; Report of a case with severe gingival hypertrophy. Niger J Clin Pract. 2015;18(4):573–6. https://doi.org/10.4103/1119-3077.151803.
https://doi.org/10.4103/1119-3077.151803...
, 2020 Vourexakis Z. Oral lesions presenting as an early sign of acute leukaemia. BMJ Case Rep. 2015;2015(1):2014–5. https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2014-205100.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2014-205100...
, 2121 Chowdhri K, Tandon S, Lamba A, Faraz F. Leukemic gingival enlargement: a case report and review of literature. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2018;22(4):77. https://doi.org/10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_205_17.
https://doi.org/10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_205_...
, 2222 Chatzipantelis A, Atkin PA. Intra-oral noma-like lesion associated with acute myeloid leukaemia: a case report. Oral Surg. 2018;11(4):306–10. https://doi.org/10.1111/ors.12353.
https://doi.org/10.1111/ors.12353...
and 14 females (42.42%).2323 Hasan S, Khan N, Lb Reddy. Leukemic gingival enlargement: report of a rare case with review of literature. Int J Appl Basic Med Res. 2015;5(1):65. https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-516x.149251.
https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-516x.149251...
, 2424 Babu SPKK, Kashyap V, Sivaranjani P, Agila S. An undiagnosed case of acute myeloid leukemia. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2014;18(1):95–7. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.128257.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.128257...
, 2525 Gowda TM, Thomas R, Shanmukhappa SM, Agarwal G, Mehta DS. Gingival enlargement as an early diagnostic indicator in therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia: a rare case report and review of literature. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2013;17 (2):248–52. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.113090.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.113090...
, 2626 Silva BA, Siqueira CR, Castro PH, Araujo SS, Volpato LE. Oral manifestations leading to the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a young girl. J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2012;30(2):166–8. https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003...
, 2727 Tag-Adeen M, Hashiguchi K, Akazawa Y, Ohnita K, Yasushi S, Daisuke N, et al. An unusual presentation of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. Ecancermedicalscience. 2018;12:1–7. https://doi.org/10.3332/ecancer.2018.801.
https://doi.org/10.3332/ecancer.2018.801...
, 2828 Alessandrini M, Micarelli A, Mugnaini F, De Padova A, Pavone I, Bruno E. Unusual case of oral chronic lymphocytic leukemia presenting as recurrent epistaxis and asymptomatic intraoral swelling. Rev Stomatol Chir Maxillofac. 2012;113(6):455–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stomax.2012.10.001.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stomax.2012.10...
, 2929 Zhang R, Teng Y, Zhu L, Lin J, Yang X, Yang G, et al. Odontoblast b-catenin signaling regulates fenestration of mouse Hertwig’s epithelial root sheath. Sci China Life Sci. 2015;58 (9):876–81. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11427-015-4882-8.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11427-015-4882-...
, 3030 Papamanthos MK, Kolokotronis AE, Skulakis HE, Fericean AM, Zorba MT, Matiakis AT. Acute myeloid leukaemia diagnosed by intra-oral myeloid sarcoma. A case report. Head Neck Pathol. 2010;4(2):132–5. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12105-010-0163-9.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12105-010-0163-...
The age ranged from 6 to 74 years and only 6 individuals (18.18%) were between 1.6 and 12 years old.1010 Chae HS, Byun J-S, Jung J-K, Choi J-K. Trismus as an orofacial manifestation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. J Oral Med Pain. 2017;42(2):49–52. https://doi.org/10.14476/jomp.2017.42.2.49.
https://doi.org/10.14476/jomp.2017.42.2....
,1919 Misirlioglu M, Adisen MZ, Yilmaz S. Diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia in a dental hospital; Report of a case with severe gingival hypertrophy. Niger J Clin Pract. 2015;18(4):573–6. https://doi.org/10.4103/1119-3077.151803.
https://doi.org/10.4103/1119-3077.151803...
,2222 Chatzipantelis A, Atkin PA. Intra-oral noma-like lesion associated with acute myeloid leukaemia: a case report. Oral Surg. 2018;11(4):306–10. https://doi.org/10.1111/ors.12353.
https://doi.org/10.1111/ors.12353...
,2626 Silva BA, Siqueira CR, Castro PH, Araujo SS, Volpato LE. Oral manifestations leading to the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a young girl. J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2012;30(2):166–8. https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003...
,3131 Zhang Y, Li L, Ma L, Zhou F, Liu L. Maxillofacial mass as the first presentation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a nine-year-old girl. Auris Nasus Larynx. 2010;37(3):377–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anl.2009.08.004.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anl.2009.08.00...
,3232 Vázquez-Martínez C, Redondo-Alamillos M, Romance-García AI, Sánchez-Aniceto G Sarcoma mieloide intraoral: Forma poco común de debut de la leucemia aguda mieloide. Rev Esp Cir Oral y Maxilofac. 2019;41(1):41–3. https://doi.org/10.20986/recom.2019.1030/2019.
https://doi.org/10.20986/recom.2019.1030...

Among the types of leukemia, oral manifestations were present principally in acute myeloid leukemia (24 individuals [72.72%]),99 Ratre M, Gulati R, Khetarpal S, Parihar A. Regular oral screening and vigilance: can it be a potential lifesaver? J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2018;22(2):171. https://doi.org/10.4103/jisp.jisp_136_18.
https://doi.org/10.4103/jisp.jisp_136_18...
,1212 Chung SW, Kim S, Choi JR, Yoo TH, Cha IH. Osteolytic mandible presenting as an initial manifestation of an adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2011;40 (12):1438–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijom.2011.01.013.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijom.2011.01.0...
,1414 Sepulveda E, Brethauer U, Fernandez E, Cortes G, Mardones C. Oral manifestations as first clinical sign of acute myeloid leukemia: report of a case. Pediatr Dent. 2021;34(5):418–21 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23211920.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23211...
, 1515 Dalirsani Z, Javadzade Bolouri A, Delavarian Z, Bidad S, Sanatkhani M, Amirchaghmaghi M. Human T-lymphotropic virus-1 associated with adult T-cell lymphoma/leukemia and generalized expansion of palatal and jaw bones: a rare case report. J Dent (Shiraz Univ Med Sci. 2015;16(3):214–8., 1616 Guan G, Firth N. Oral manifestations as an early clinical sign of acute myeloid leukaemia : a case report. 2015:123–7. doi:10.1111/adj.12272
https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12272...
, 1717 Martini V, Schiavone P, Bonacina R, Mariani U, Rambaldi A. NK leukemia: a rare case of oral manifestations representing the initial sign. Ann Stomatol (Roma). 2013;4(Suppl 2). 28–28., 1818 Suarez-Cuenca JA, Arellano-Snchez JL, Sacherling-Ocampo AA, Sanchez-Hernandez G, Perez-Guevara D, Chalapud-Revelo JR. Rapidly progressing, fatal and acute promyelocytic leukaemia that initially manifested as a painful third molar: a case report. J Med Case Rep. 2009;3:1–6. https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-3-102.
https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-3-102...
, 1919 Misirlioglu M, Adisen MZ, Yilmaz S. Diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia in a dental hospital; Report of a case with severe gingival hypertrophy. Niger J Clin Pract. 2015;18(4):573–6. https://doi.org/10.4103/1119-3077.151803.
https://doi.org/10.4103/1119-3077.151803...
,2222 Chatzipantelis A, Atkin PA. Intra-oral noma-like lesion associated with acute myeloid leukaemia: a case report. Oral Surg. 2018;11(4):306–10. https://doi.org/10.1111/ors.12353.
https://doi.org/10.1111/ors.12353...
,2323 Hasan S, Khan N, Lb Reddy. Leukemic gingival enlargement: report of a rare case with review of literature. Int J Appl Basic Med Res. 2015;5(1):65. https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-516x.149251.
https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-516x.149251...
,2424 Babu SPKK, Kashyap V, Sivaranjani P, Agila S. An undiagnosed case of acute myeloid leukemia. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2014;18(1):95–7. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.128257.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.128257...
,2525 Gowda TM, Thomas R, Shanmukhappa SM, Agarwal G, Mehta DS. Gingival enlargement as an early diagnostic indicator in therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia: a rare case report and review of literature. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2013;17 (2):248–52. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.113090.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.113090...
,3030 Papamanthos MK, Kolokotronis AE, Skulakis HE, Fericean AM, Zorba MT, Matiakis AT. Acute myeloid leukaemia diagnosed by intra-oral myeloid sarcoma. A case report. Head Neck Pathol. 2010;4(2):132–5. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12105-010-0163-9.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12105-010-0163-...
,3232 Vázquez-Martínez C, Redondo-Alamillos M, Romance-García AI, Sánchez-Aniceto G Sarcoma mieloide intraoral: Forma poco común de debut de la leucemia aguda mieloide. Rev Esp Cir Oral y Maxilofac. 2019;41(1):41–3. https://doi.org/10.20986/recom.2019.1030/2019.
https://doi.org/10.20986/recom.2019.1030...
followed by acute lymphoid leukemia (6 individuals [18.18%]),1010 Chae HS, Byun J-S, Jung J-K, Choi J-K. Trismus as an orofacial manifestation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. J Oral Med Pain. 2017;42(2):49–52. https://doi.org/10.14476/jomp.2017.42.2.49.
https://doi.org/10.14476/jomp.2017.42.2....
,1313 Aronovich S, Connolly TW. Pericoronitis as an initial manifestation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a case report. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2008;66(4):804-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2006.10.062.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2006.10.0...
,2020 Vourexakis Z. Oral lesions presenting as an early sign of acute leukaemia. BMJ Case Rep. 2015;2015(1):2014–5. https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2014-205100.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2014-205100...
,2121 Chowdhri K, Tandon S, Lamba A, Faraz F. Leukemic gingival enlargement: a case report and review of literature. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2018;22(4):77. https://doi.org/10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_205_17.
https://doi.org/10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_205_...
,2626 Silva BA, Siqueira CR, Castro PH, Araujo SS, Volpato LE. Oral manifestations leading to the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a young girl. J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2012;30(2):166–8. https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003...
,3131 Zhang Y, Li L, Ma L, Zhou F, Liu L. Maxillofacial mass as the first presentation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a nine-year-old girl. Auris Nasus Larynx. 2010;37(3):377–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anl.2009.08.004.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anl.2009.08.00...
adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (2 individuals [6.06%]) and chronic lymphoid leukemia (1 individual [3.03%]).

First clinical MOL in oral tissues

Oral MOLs as the first clinical signs were more common in soft tissues (27 individuals [81.81%]) than those in hard tissues (6 individuals [18.18%]).1111 Shimizu R, Ohga N, Miyakoshi M, Asaka T, Sato J, Kitagawa Y. Unusual maxillary osteoblastic and osteolytic lesions presenting as an initial manifestation of childhood acute myeloid leukemia: a case report. Quintessence Int (Berl). 2017;48(2):149–53. https://doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.a37383.
https://doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.a37383...
,1919 Misirlioglu M, Adisen MZ, Yilmaz S. Diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia in a dental hospital; Report of a case with severe gingival hypertrophy. Niger J Clin Pract. 2015;18(4):573–6. https://doi.org/10.4103/1119-3077.151803.
https://doi.org/10.4103/1119-3077.151803...
,2020 Vourexakis Z. Oral lesions presenting as an early sign of acute leukaemia. BMJ Case Rep. 2015;2015(1):2014–5. https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2014-205100.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2014-205100...
,2828 Alessandrini M, Micarelli A, Mugnaini F, De Padova A, Pavone I, Bruno E. Unusual case of oral chronic lymphocytic leukemia presenting as recurrent epistaxis and asymptomatic intraoral swelling. Rev Stomatol Chir Maxillofac. 2012;113(6):455–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stomax.2012.10.001.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stomax.2012.10...
,3131 Zhang Y, Li L, Ma L, Zhou F, Liu L. Maxillofacial mass as the first presentation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a nine-year-old girl. Auris Nasus Larynx. 2010;37(3):377–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anl.2009.08.004.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anl.2009.08.00...
,3232 Vázquez-Martínez C, Redondo-Alamillos M, Romance-García AI, Sánchez-Aniceto G Sarcoma mieloide intraoral: Forma poco común de debut de la leucemia aguda mieloide. Rev Esp Cir Oral y Maxilofac. 2019;41(1):41–3. https://doi.org/10.20986/recom.2019.1030/2019.
https://doi.org/10.20986/recom.2019.1030...
Figure 2 shows the different sites.

Figure 2
Site of first clinical signs of leukemia in oral cavity.

Soft tissues

The oral MOLs were in gingival tissue (63.63%),99 Ratre M, Gulati R, Khetarpal S, Parihar A. Regular oral screening and vigilance: can it be a potential lifesaver? J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2018;22(2):171. https://doi.org/10.4103/jisp.jisp_136_18.
https://doi.org/10.4103/jisp.jisp_136_18...
,1212 Chung SW, Kim S, Choi JR, Yoo TH, Cha IH. Osteolytic mandible presenting as an initial manifestation of an adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2011;40 (12):1438–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijom.2011.01.013.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijom.2011.01.0...
,1717 Martini V, Schiavone P, Bonacina R, Mariani U, Rambaldi A. NK leukemia: a rare case of oral manifestations representing the initial sign. Ann Stomatol (Roma). 2013;4(Suppl 2). 28–28., 1818 Suarez-Cuenca JA, Arellano-Snchez JL, Sacherling-Ocampo AA, Sanchez-Hernandez G, Perez-Guevara D, Chalapud-Revelo JR. Rapidly progressing, fatal and acute promyelocytic leukaemia that initially manifested as a painful third molar: a case report. J Med Case Rep. 2009;3:1–6. https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-3-102.
https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-3-102...
, 1919 Misirlioglu M, Adisen MZ, Yilmaz S. Diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia in a dental hospital; Report of a case with severe gingival hypertrophy. Niger J Clin Pract. 2015;18(4):573–6. https://doi.org/10.4103/1119-3077.151803.
https://doi.org/10.4103/1119-3077.151803...
,2121 Chowdhri K, Tandon S, Lamba A, Faraz F. Leukemic gingival enlargement: a case report and review of literature. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2018;22(4):77. https://doi.org/10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_205_17.
https://doi.org/10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_205_...
,2323 Hasan S, Khan N, Lb Reddy. Leukemic gingival enlargement: report of a rare case with review of literature. Int J Appl Basic Med Res. 2015;5(1):65. https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-516x.149251.
https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-516x.149251...
, 2424 Babu SPKK, Kashyap V, Sivaranjani P, Agila S. An undiagnosed case of acute myeloid leukemia. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2014;18(1):95–7. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.128257.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.128257...
, 2525 Gowda TM, Thomas R, Shanmukhappa SM, Agarwal G, Mehta DS. Gingival enlargement as an early diagnostic indicator in therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia: a rare case report and review of literature. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2013;17 (2):248–52. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.113090.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.113090...
,2626 Silva BA, Siqueira CR, Castro PH, Araujo SS, Volpato LE. Oral manifestations leading to the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a young girl. J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2012;30(2):166–8. https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003...
,2727 Tag-Adeen M, Hashiguchi K, Akazawa Y, Ohnita K, Yasushi S, Daisuke N, et al. An unusual presentation of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. Ecancermedicalscience. 2018;12:1–7. https://doi.org/10.3332/ecancer.2018.801.
https://doi.org/10.3332/ecancer.2018.801...
,3030 Papamanthos MK, Kolokotronis AE, Skulakis HE, Fericean AM, Zorba MT, Matiakis AT. Acute myeloid leukaemia diagnosed by intra-oral myeloid sarcoma. A case report. Head Neck Pathol. 2010;4(2):132–5. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12105-010-0163-9.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12105-010-0163-...
,3333 Arora PC, Arora A, Arora S. Oral manifestations as an early clinical sign of acute myeloid leukemia: a report of two cases. Indian J Dermatol. 2020;65(3):241-3. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijd.IJD_511_18.
https://doi.org/10.4103/ijd.IJD_511_18...
, 3434 Fatahzadeh M, Krakow AM. Manifestation of acute monocytic leukemia in the oral cavity: a case report. Spec Care Dent. 2008;28(5):190–4. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1754-4505.2008.00039.x.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1754-4505.2008...
, 3535 Fu YW, Xu HZ. Gingival enlargement in a pregnant woman with acute monocytic leukaemia: a case report. Aust Dent J. 2017;62(3):386–9. https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12525.
https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12525...
, 3636 Lim HC, Kim CS. Oral signs of acute leukemia for early detection. J Periodontal Implant Sci. 2014;44(6):293–9. https://doi.org/10.5051/jpis.2014.44.6.293.
https://doi.org/10.5051/jpis.2014.44.6.2...
, 3737 Ponnam SR, Srivastava G, Jampani N, Kamath V. A fatal case of rapid gingival enlargement: case report with brief review. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2014;18(1):121–6. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-029X.131938.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-029X.131938...
, 3838 Reenesh M, Munishwar S, Rath SK. Generalised leukaemic gingival enlargement: a case report. J Oral Maxillofac Res. 2012;3 (3):1–6. https://doi.org/10.5037/jomr.2012.3305.
https://doi.org/10.5037/jomr.2012.3305...
, 3939 Piedade Rosa BP, Ito FA, Trigo FC, Mizuno LT, Junior AT. Oral manifestation as the main sign of an advanced stage acute promyelocytic leukemia. Acta Stomatol Croat. 2018;52(4):358–62. https://doi.org/10.15644/asc52/4/10.
https://doi.org/10.15644/asc52/4/10...
,1515 Dalirsani Z, Javadzade Bolouri A, Delavarian Z, Bidad S, Sanatkhani M, Amirchaghmaghi M. Human T-lymphotropic virus-1 associated with adult T-cell lymphoma/leukemia and generalized expansion of palatal and jaw bones: a rare case report. J Dent (Shiraz Univ Med Sci. 2015;16(3):214–8.,4040 Da Silva Santos PS, Fontes A, Flavio De A, De Sousa SCOMH. Gingival leukemic infiltration as the first manifestation of acute myeloid leukemia. Otolaryngol - Head Neck Surg. 2010;143(3):465–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otohns.2010.04.010.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otohns.2010.04...
alveolar and jugal mucosa (18.18%)1414 Sepulveda E, Brethauer U, Fernandez E, Cortes G, Mardones C. Oral manifestations as first clinical sign of acute myeloid leukemia: report of a case. Pediatr Dent. 2021;34(5):418–21 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23211920.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23211...
,1818 Suarez-Cuenca JA, Arellano-Snchez JL, Sacherling-Ocampo AA, Sanchez-Hernandez G, Perez-Guevara D, Chalapud-Revelo JR. Rapidly progressing, fatal and acute promyelocytic leukaemia that initially manifested as a painful third molar: a case report. J Med Case Rep. 2009;3:1–6. https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-3-102.
https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-3-102...
,2121 Chowdhri K, Tandon S, Lamba A, Faraz F. Leukemic gingival enlargement: a case report and review of literature. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2018;22(4):77. https://doi.org/10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_205_17.
https://doi.org/10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_205_...
, 2222 Chatzipantelis A, Atkin PA. Intra-oral noma-like lesion associated with acute myeloid leukaemia: a case report. Oral Surg. 2018;11(4):306–10. https://doi.org/10.1111/ors.12353.
https://doi.org/10.1111/ors.12353...
,2626 Silva BA, Siqueira CR, Castro PH, Araujo SS, Volpato LE. Oral manifestations leading to the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a young girl. J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2012;30(2):166–8. https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003...
,2828 Alessandrini M, Micarelli A, Mugnaini F, De Padova A, Pavone I, Bruno E. Unusual case of oral chronic lymphocytic leukemia presenting as recurrent epistaxis and asymptomatic intraoral swelling. Rev Stomatol Chir Maxillofac. 2012;113(6):455–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stomax.2012.10.001.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stomax.2012.10...
and hard or soft palate (18.18%).99 Ratre M, Gulati R, Khetarpal S, Parihar A. Regular oral screening and vigilance: can it be a potential lifesaver? J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2018;22(2):171. https://doi.org/10.4103/jisp.jisp_136_18.
https://doi.org/10.4103/jisp.jisp_136_18...
,1111 Shimizu R, Ohga N, Miyakoshi M, Asaka T, Sato J, Kitagawa Y. Unusual maxillary osteoblastic and osteolytic lesions presenting as an initial manifestation of childhood acute myeloid leukemia: a case report. Quintessence Int (Berl). 2017;48(2):149–53. https://doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.a37383.
https://doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.a37383...
,1515 Dalirsani Z, Javadzade Bolouri A, Delavarian Z, Bidad S, Sanatkhani M, Amirchaghmaghi M. Human T-lymphotropic virus-1 associated with adult T-cell lymphoma/leukemia and generalized expansion of palatal and jaw bones: a rare case report. J Dent (Shiraz Univ Med Sci. 2015;16(3):214–8.,1616 Guan G, Firth N. Oral manifestations as an early clinical sign of acute myeloid leukaemia : a case report. 2015:123–7. doi:10.1111/adj.12272
https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12272...
,2727 Tag-Adeen M, Hashiguchi K, Akazawa Y, Ohnita K, Yasushi S, Daisuke N, et al. An unusual presentation of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. Ecancermedicalscience. 2018;12:1–7. https://doi.org/10.3332/ecancer.2018.801.
https://doi.org/10.3332/ecancer.2018.801...
,3030 Papamanthos MK, Kolokotronis AE, Skulakis HE, Fericean AM, Zorba MT, Matiakis AT. Acute myeloid leukaemia diagnosed by intra-oral myeloid sarcoma. A case report. Head Neck Pathol. 2010;4(2):132–5. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12105-010-0163-9.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12105-010-0163-...
Other regions, such as the floor of the mouth (12.12%),1313 Aronovich S, Connolly TW. Pericoronitis as an initial manifestation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a case report. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2008;66(4):804-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2006.10.062.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2006.10.0...
,1616 Guan G, Firth N. Oral manifestations as an early clinical sign of acute myeloid leukaemia : a case report. 2015:123–7. doi:10.1111/adj.12272
https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12272...
,2323 Hasan S, Khan N, Lb Reddy. Leukemic gingival enlargement: report of a rare case with review of literature. Int J Appl Basic Med Res. 2015;5(1):65. https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-516x.149251.
https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-516x.149251...
,3838 Reenesh M, Munishwar S, Rath SK. Generalised leukaemic gingival enlargement: a case report. J Oral Maxillofac Res. 2012;3 (3):1–6. https://doi.org/10.5037/jomr.2012.3305.
https://doi.org/10.5037/jomr.2012.3305...
tongue (9.09%),1313 Aronovich S, Connolly TW. Pericoronitis as an initial manifestation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a case report. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2008;66(4):804-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2006.10.062.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2006.10.0...
,3333 Arora PC, Arora A, Arora S. Oral manifestations as an early clinical sign of acute myeloid leukemia: a report of two cases. Indian J Dermatol. 2020;65(3):241-3. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijd.IJD_511_18.
https://doi.org/10.4103/ijd.IJD_511_18...
,3939 Piedade Rosa BP, Ito FA, Trigo FC, Mizuno LT, Junior AT. Oral manifestation as the main sign of an advanced stage acute promyelocytic leukemia. Acta Stomatol Croat. 2018;52(4):358–62. https://doi.org/10.15644/asc52/4/10.
https://doi.org/10.15644/asc52/4/10...
lip (3.03%),1313 Aronovich S, Connolly TW. Pericoronitis as an initial manifestation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a case report. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2008;66(4):804-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2006.10.062.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2006.10.0...
parotid glands (3.03%),1010 Chae HS, Byun J-S, Jung J-K, Choi J-K. Trismus as an orofacial manifestation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. J Oral Med Pain. 2017;42(2):49–52. https://doi.org/10.14476/jomp.2017.42.2.49.
https://doi.org/10.14476/jomp.2017.42.2....
and nasolabial region (3.03%),2626 Silva BA, Siqueira CR, Castro PH, Araujo SS, Volpato LE. Oral manifestations leading to the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a young girl. J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2012;30(2):166–8. https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003...
were less frequent.

The main lesions found in the soft tissues of the mouth were ulcer, erosion, bleeding, ecchymosis, color change of the bluish or pale mucous membranes, and areas of tissue necrosis. Among the case reports, 13 individuals (39.99%) reported pain as the principal symptom,99 Ratre M, Gulati R, Khetarpal S, Parihar A. Regular oral screening and vigilance: can it be a potential lifesaver? J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2018;22(2):171. https://doi.org/10.4103/jisp.jisp_136_18.
https://doi.org/10.4103/jisp.jisp_136_18...
,1313 Aronovich S, Connolly TW. Pericoronitis as an initial manifestation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a case report. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2008;66(4):804-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2006.10.062.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2006.10.0...
,2828 Alessandrini M, Micarelli A, Mugnaini F, De Padova A, Pavone I, Bruno E. Unusual case of oral chronic lymphocytic leukemia presenting as recurrent epistaxis and asymptomatic intraoral swelling. Rev Stomatol Chir Maxillofac. 2012;113(6):455–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stomax.2012.10.001.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stomax.2012.10...
,3030 Papamanthos MK, Kolokotronis AE, Skulakis HE, Fericean AM, Zorba MT, Matiakis AT. Acute myeloid leukaemia diagnosed by intra-oral myeloid sarcoma. A case report. Head Neck Pathol. 2010;4(2):132–5. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12105-010-0163-9.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12105-010-0163-...
,3131 Zhang Y, Li L, Ma L, Zhou F, Liu L. Maxillofacial mass as the first presentation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a nine-year-old girl. Auris Nasus Larynx. 2010;37(3):377–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anl.2009.08.004.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anl.2009.08.00...
,1414 Sepulveda E, Brethauer U, Fernandez E, Cortes G, Mardones C. Oral manifestations as first clinical sign of acute myeloid leukemia: report of a case. Pediatr Dent. 2021;34(5):418–21 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23211920.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23211...
,1515 Dalirsani Z, Javadzade Bolouri A, Delavarian Z, Bidad S, Sanatkhani M, Amirchaghmaghi M. Human T-lymphotropic virus-1 associated with adult T-cell lymphoma/leukemia and generalized expansion of palatal and jaw bones: a rare case report. J Dent (Shiraz Univ Med Sci. 2015;16(3):214–8.,1717 Martini V, Schiavone P, Bonacina R, Mariani U, Rambaldi A. NK leukemia: a rare case of oral manifestations representing the initial sign. Ann Stomatol (Roma). 2013;4(Suppl 2). 28–28., 1818 Suarez-Cuenca JA, Arellano-Snchez JL, Sacherling-Ocampo AA, Sanchez-Hernandez G, Perez-Guevara D, Chalapud-Revelo JR. Rapidly progressing, fatal and acute promyelocytic leukaemia that initially manifested as a painful third molar: a case report. J Med Case Rep. 2009;3:1–6. https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-3-102.
https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-3-102...
, 1919 Misirlioglu M, Adisen MZ, Yilmaz S. Diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia in a dental hospital; Report of a case with severe gingival hypertrophy. Niger J Clin Pract. 2015;18(4):573–6. https://doi.org/10.4103/1119-3077.151803.
https://doi.org/10.4103/1119-3077.151803...
, 2020 Vourexakis Z. Oral lesions presenting as an early sign of acute leukaemia. BMJ Case Rep. 2015;2015(1):2014–5. https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2014-205100.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2014-205100...
, 2121 Chowdhri K, Tandon S, Lamba A, Faraz F. Leukemic gingival enlargement: a case report and review of literature. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2018;22(4):77. https://doi.org/10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_205_17.
https://doi.org/10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_205_...
,2525 Gowda TM, Thomas R, Shanmukhappa SM, Agarwal G, Mehta DS. Gingival enlargement as an early diagnostic indicator in therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia: a rare case report and review of literature. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2013;17 (2):248–52. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.113090.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.113090...
which was also principally spontaneous.

Hard tissues

Among the oral MOLs in hard tissues, two cases corresponded to ALL,2020 Vourexakis Z. Oral lesions presenting as an early sign of acute leukaemia. BMJ Case Rep. 2015;2015(1):2014–5. https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2014-205100.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2014-205100...
,3131 Zhang Y, Li L, Ma L, Zhou F, Liu L. Maxillofacial mass as the first presentation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a nine-year-old girl. Auris Nasus Larynx. 2010;37(3):377–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anl.2009.08.004.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anl.2009.08.00...
two cases corresponded to AML,1919 Misirlioglu M, Adisen MZ, Yilmaz S. Diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia in a dental hospital; Report of a case with severe gingival hypertrophy. Niger J Clin Pract. 2015;18(4):573–6. https://doi.org/10.4103/1119-3077.151803.
https://doi.org/10.4103/1119-3077.151803...
,3232 Vázquez-Martínez C, Redondo-Alamillos M, Romance-García AI, Sánchez-Aniceto G Sarcoma mieloide intraoral: Forma poco común de debut de la leucemia aguda mieloide. Rev Esp Cir Oral y Maxilofac. 2019;41(1):41–3. https://doi.org/10.20986/recom.2019.1030/2019.
https://doi.org/10.20986/recom.2019.1030...
one case corresponded to chronic lymphocytic leukemia2828 Alessandrini M, Micarelli A, Mugnaini F, De Padova A, Pavone I, Bruno E. Unusual case of oral chronic lymphocytic leukemia presenting as recurrent epistaxis and asymptomatic intraoral swelling. Rev Stomatol Chir Maxillofac. 2012;113(6):455–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stomax.2012.10.001.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stomax.2012.10...
and one case corresponded to adult T-cell leukemia/lym-phoma.1111 Shimizu R, Ohga N, Miyakoshi M, Asaka T, Sato J, Kitagawa Y. Unusual maxillary osteoblastic and osteolytic lesions presenting as an initial manifestation of childhood acute myeloid leukemia: a case report. Quintessence Int (Berl). 2017;48(2):149–53. https://doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.a37383.
https://doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.a37383...
Dental mobility was the most common clinical condition when hard tissues were affected. Panoramic radiography and computed tomography were used to evaluate the bone structures. The main characteristics of the radiographic images were cortical expansion of the alveolar bone, osteolytic areas, thickening of the bone surrounding the teeth with mobility and severe vertical bone loss.

Differential diagnosis of the oral MOLs

In soft tissues, the differential diagnoses were gingival enlargement during pregnancy,2525 Gowda TM, Thomas R, Shanmukhappa SM, Agarwal G, Mehta DS. Gingival enlargement as an early diagnostic indicator in therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia: a rare case report and review of literature. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2013;17 (2):248–52. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.113090.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.113090...
,3535 Fu YW, Xu HZ. Gingival enlargement in a pregnant woman with acute monocytic leukaemia: a case report. Aust Dent J. 2017;62(3):386–9. https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12525.
https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12525...
gingival enlargement induced by drugs,4141 Hsieh SG, Hibbert S, Shaw P, Ahern V, Arora M. Association of cyclophosphamide use with dental developmental defects and salivary gland dysfunction in recipients of childhood antineoplastic therapy. Cancer. 2011;117(10):2219–27. https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.25704.
https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.25704...
squamous cell carcinoma and deep fungal infection,2828 Alessandrini M, Micarelli A, Mugnaini F, De Padova A, Pavone I, Bruno E. Unusual case of oral chronic lymphocytic leukemia presenting as recurrent epistaxis and asymptomatic intraoral swelling. Rev Stomatol Chir Maxillofac. 2012;113(6):455–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stomax.2012.10.001.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stomax.2012.10...
pericoronarite,2121 Chowdhri K, Tandon S, Lamba A, Faraz F. Leukemic gingival enlargement: a case report and review of literature. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2018;22(4):77. https://doi.org/10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_205_17.
https://doi.org/10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_205_...
oral manifestation of HIV,1515 Dalirsani Z, Javadzade Bolouri A, Delavarian Z, Bidad S, Sanatkhani M, Amirchaghmaghi M. Human T-lymphotropic virus-1 associated with adult T-cell lymphoma/leukemia and generalized expansion of palatal and jaw bones: a rare case report. J Dent (Shiraz Univ Med Sci. 2015;16(3):214–8.,3333 Arora PC, Arora A, Arora S. Oral manifestations as an early clinical sign of acute myeloid leukemia: a report of two cases. Indian J Dermatol. 2020;65(3):241-3. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijd.IJD_511_18.
https://doi.org/10.4103/ijd.IJD_511_18...
postoperative complications of extraction,1414 Sepulveda E, Brethauer U, Fernandez E, Cortes G, Mardones C. Oral manifestations as first clinical sign of acute myeloid leukemia: report of a case. Pediatr Dent. 2021;34(5):418–21 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23211920.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23211...
,3636 Lim HC, Kim CS. Oral signs of acute leukemia for early detection. J Periodontal Implant Sci. 2014;44(6):293–9. https://doi.org/10.5051/jpis.2014.44.6.293.
https://doi.org/10.5051/jpis.2014.44.6.2...
candidiasis,2727 Tag-Adeen M, Hashiguchi K, Akazawa Y, Ohnita K, Yasushi S, Daisuke N, et al. An unusual presentation of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. Ecancermedicalscience. 2018;12:1–7. https://doi.org/10.3332/ecancer.2018.801.
https://doi.org/10.3332/ecancer.2018.801...
necrotizing acute gingivitis,4040 Da Silva Santos PS, Fontes A, Flavio De A, De Sousa SCOMH. Gingival leukemic infiltration as the first manifestation of acute myeloid leukemia. Otolaryngol - Head Neck Surg. 2010;143(3):465–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otohns.2010.04.010.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otohns.2010.04...
dental cyst eruption3232 Vázquez-Martínez C, Redondo-Alamillos M, Romance-García AI, Sánchez-Aniceto G Sarcoma mieloide intraoral: Forma poco común de debut de la leucemia aguda mieloide. Rev Esp Cir Oral y Maxilofac. 2019;41(1):41–3. https://doi.org/10.20986/recom.2019.1030/2019.
https://doi.org/10.20986/recom.2019.1030...
and herpetic gingivostomatitis.3434 Fatahzadeh M, Krakow AM. Manifestation of acute monocytic leukemia in the oral cavity: a case report. Spec Care Dent. 2008;28(5):190–4. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1754-4505.2008.00039.x.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1754-4505.2008...
In addition, when the oral manifestation was in the maxillary bones, the presumptive diagnoses were acute osteomyelitis,2020 Vourexakis Z. Oral lesions presenting as an early sign of acute leukaemia. BMJ Case Rep. 2015;2015(1):2014–5. https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2014-205100.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2014-205100...
osteosarcoma1919 Misirlioglu M, Adisen MZ, Yilmaz S. Diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia in a dental hospital; Report of a case with severe gingival hypertrophy. Niger J Clin Pract. 2015;18(4):573–6. https://doi.org/10.4103/1119-3077.151803.
https://doi.org/10.4103/1119-3077.151803...
,2020 Vourexakis Z. Oral lesions presenting as an early sign of acute leukaemia. BMJ Case Rep. 2015;2015(1):2014–5. https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2014-205100.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2014-205100...
and Ewing sarcoma.1919 Misirlioglu M, Adisen MZ, Yilmaz S. Diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia in a dental hospital; Report of a case with severe gingival hypertrophy. Niger J Clin Pract. 2015;18(4):573–6. https://doi.org/10.4103/1119-3077.151803.
https://doi.org/10.4103/1119-3077.151803...

General clinical signs and symptoms of leukemia

The general signs and symptoms, in addition to the oral manifestations, were mainly the following: weakness, fatigue, lethargy or tiredness in 11 individuals (45.45%);99 Ratre M, Gulati R, Khetarpal S, Parihar A. Regular oral screening and vigilance: can it be a potential lifesaver? J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2018;22(2):171. https://doi.org/10.4103/jisp.jisp_136_18.
https://doi.org/10.4103/jisp.jisp_136_18...
,1212 Chung SW, Kim S, Choi JR, Yoo TH, Cha IH. Osteolytic mandible presenting as an initial manifestation of an adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2011;40 (12):1438–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijom.2011.01.013.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijom.2011.01.0...
,1515 Dalirsani Z, Javadzade Bolouri A, Delavarian Z, Bidad S, Sanatkhani M, Amirchaghmaghi M. Human T-lymphotropic virus-1 associated with adult T-cell lymphoma/leukemia and generalized expansion of palatal and jaw bones: a rare case report. J Dent (Shiraz Univ Med Sci. 2015;16(3):214–8.,1717 Martini V, Schiavone P, Bonacina R, Mariani U, Rambaldi A. NK leukemia: a rare case of oral manifestations representing the initial sign. Ann Stomatol (Roma). 2013;4(Suppl 2). 28–28.,1818 Suarez-Cuenca JA, Arellano-Snchez JL, Sacherling-Ocampo AA, Sanchez-Hernandez G, Perez-Guevara D, Chalapud-Revelo JR. Rapidly progressing, fatal and acute promyelocytic leukaemia that initially manifested as a painful third molar: a case report. J Med Case Rep. 2009;3:1–6. https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-3-102.
https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-3-102...
,2020 Vourexakis Z. Oral lesions presenting as an early sign of acute leukaemia. BMJ Case Rep. 2015;2015(1):2014–5. https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2014-205100.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2014-205100...
,2323 Hasan S, Khan N, Lb Reddy. Leukemic gingival enlargement: report of a rare case with review of literature. Int J Appl Basic Med Res. 2015;5(1):65. https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-516x.149251.
https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-516x.149251...
,2626 Silva BA, Siqueira CR, Castro PH, Araujo SS, Volpato LE. Oral manifestations leading to the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a young girl. J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2012;30(2):166–8. https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003...
,3030 Papamanthos MK, Kolokotronis AE, Skulakis HE, Fericean AM, Zorba MT, Matiakis AT. Acute myeloid leukaemia diagnosed by intra-oral myeloid sarcoma. A case report. Head Neck Pathol. 2010;4(2):132–5. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12105-010-0163-9.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12105-010-0163-...
,3636 Lim HC, Kim CS. Oral signs of acute leukemia for early detection. J Periodontal Implant Sci. 2014;44(6):293–9. https://doi.org/10.5051/jpis.2014.44.6.293.
https://doi.org/10.5051/jpis.2014.44.6.2...
lymphadenopathies in 8 individuals (36.36%);99 Ratre M, Gulati R, Khetarpal S, Parihar A. Regular oral screening and vigilance: can it be a potential lifesaver? J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2018;22(2):171. https://doi.org/10.4103/jisp.jisp_136_18.
https://doi.org/10.4103/jisp.jisp_136_18...
,1414 Sepulveda E, Brethauer U, Fernandez E, Cortes G, Mardones C. Oral manifestations as first clinical sign of acute myeloid leukemia: report of a case. Pediatr Dent. 2021;34(5):418–21 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23211920.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23211...
,1515 Dalirsani Z, Javadzade Bolouri A, Delavarian Z, Bidad S, Sanatkhani M, Amirchaghmaghi M. Human T-lymphotropic virus-1 associated with adult T-cell lymphoma/leukemia and generalized expansion of palatal and jaw bones: a rare case report. J Dent (Shiraz Univ Med Sci. 2015;16(3):214–8.,1717 Martini V, Schiavone P, Bonacina R, Mariani U, Rambaldi A. NK leukemia: a rare case of oral manifestations representing the initial sign. Ann Stomatol (Roma). 2013;4(Suppl 2). 28–28.,2222 Chatzipantelis A, Atkin PA. Intra-oral noma-like lesion associated with acute myeloid leukaemia: a case report. Oral Surg. 2018;11(4):306–10. https://doi.org/10.1111/ors.12353.
https://doi.org/10.1111/ors.12353...
,2525 Gowda TM, Thomas R, Shanmukhappa SM, Agarwal G, Mehta DS. Gingival enlargement as an early diagnostic indicator in therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia: a rare case report and review of literature. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2013;17 (2):248–52. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.113090.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.113090...
, 2626 Silva BA, Siqueira CR, Castro PH, Araujo SS, Volpato LE. Oral manifestations leading to the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a young girl. J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2012;30(2):166–8. https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003...
, 2727 Tag-Adeen M, Hashiguchi K, Akazawa Y, Ohnita K, Yasushi S, Daisuke N, et al. An unusual presentation of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. Ecancermedicalscience. 2018;12:1–7. https://doi.org/10.3332/ecancer.2018.801.
https://doi.org/10.3332/ecancer.2018.801...
mucosal pallor in 6 individuals (27.27%);1212 Chung SW, Kim S, Choi JR, Yoo TH, Cha IH. Osteolytic mandible presenting as an initial manifestation of an adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2011;40 (12):1438–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijom.2011.01.013.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijom.2011.01.0...
,1414 Sepulveda E, Brethauer U, Fernandez E, Cortes G, Mardones C. Oral manifestations as first clinical sign of acute myeloid leukemia: report of a case. Pediatr Dent. 2021;34(5):418–21 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23211920.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23211...
,1515 Dalirsani Z, Javadzade Bolouri A, Delavarian Z, Bidad S, Sanatkhani M, Amirchaghmaghi M. Human T-lymphotropic virus-1 associated with adult T-cell lymphoma/leukemia and generalized expansion of palatal and jaw bones: a rare case report. J Dent (Shiraz Univ Med Sci. 2015;16(3):214–8.,2222 Chatzipantelis A, Atkin PA. Intra-oral noma-like lesion associated with acute myeloid leukaemia: a case report. Oral Surg. 2018;11(4):306–10. https://doi.org/10.1111/ors.12353.
https://doi.org/10.1111/ors.12353...
,2626 Silva BA, Siqueira CR, Castro PH, Araujo SS, Volpato LE. Oral manifestations leading to the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a young girl. J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2012;30(2):166–8. https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003...
weight loss in 4 individuals (18.18%)1515 Dalirsani Z, Javadzade Bolouri A, Delavarian Z, Bidad S, Sanatkhani M, Amirchaghmaghi M. Human T-lymphotropic virus-1 associated with adult T-cell lymphoma/leukemia and generalized expansion of palatal and jaw bones: a rare case report. J Dent (Shiraz Univ Med Sci. 2015;16(3):214–8.,1717 Martini V, Schiavone P, Bonacina R, Mariani U, Rambaldi A. NK leukemia: a rare case of oral manifestations representing the initial sign. Ann Stomatol (Roma). 2013;4(Suppl 2). 28–28.,2323 Hasan S, Khan N, Lb Reddy. Leukemic gingival enlargement: report of a rare case with review of literature. Int J Appl Basic Med Res. 2015;5(1):65. https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-516x.149251.
https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-516x.149251...
,3838 Reenesh M, Munishwar S, Rath SK. Generalised leukaemic gingival enlargement: a case report. J Oral Maxillofac Res. 2012;3 (3):1–6. https://doi.org/10.5037/jomr.2012.3305.
https://doi.org/10.5037/jomr.2012.3305...
and loss of appetite in 5 individuals (18.18%).99 Ratre M, Gulati R, Khetarpal S, Parihar A. Regular oral screening and vigilance: can it be a potential lifesaver? J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2018;22(2):171. https://doi.org/10.4103/jisp.jisp_136_18.
https://doi.org/10.4103/jisp.jisp_136_18...
,1616 Guan G, Firth N. Oral manifestations as an early clinical sign of acute myeloid leukaemia : a case report. 2015:123–7. doi:10.1111/adj.12272
https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12272...
,2323 Hasan S, Khan N, Lb Reddy. Leukemic gingival enlargement: report of a rare case with review of literature. Int J Appl Basic Med Res. 2015;5(1):65. https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-516x.149251.
https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-516x.149251...
,2626 Silva BA, Siqueira CR, Castro PH, Araujo SS, Volpato LE. Oral manifestations leading to the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a young girl. J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2012;30(2):166–8. https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003...
,3232 Vázquez-Martínez C, Redondo-Alamillos M, Romance-García AI, Sánchez-Aniceto G Sarcoma mieloide intraoral: Forma poco común de debut de la leucemia aguda mieloide. Rev Esp Cir Oral y Maxilofac. 2019;41(1):41–3. https://doi.org/10.20986/recom.2019.1030/2019.
https://doi.org/10.20986/recom.2019.1030...
Adjacent areas, such as the head and neck regions, presented submandibular lymphadenopathy,99 Ratre M, Gulati R, Khetarpal S, Parihar A. Regular oral screening and vigilance: can it be a potential lifesaver? J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2018;22(2):171. https://doi.org/10.4103/jisp.jisp_136_18.
https://doi.org/10.4103/jisp.jisp_136_18...
,1010 Chae HS, Byun J-S, Jung J-K, Choi J-K. Trismus as an orofacial manifestation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. J Oral Med Pain. 2017;42(2):49–52. https://doi.org/10.14476/jomp.2017.42.2.49.
https://doi.org/10.14476/jomp.2017.42.2....
,1515 Dalirsani Z, Javadzade Bolouri A, Delavarian Z, Bidad S, Sanatkhani M, Amirchaghmaghi M. Human T-lymphotropic virus-1 associated with adult T-cell lymphoma/leukemia and generalized expansion of palatal and jaw bones: a rare case report. J Dent (Shiraz Univ Med Sci. 2015;16(3):214–8.,2626 Silva BA, Siqueira CR, Castro PH, Araujo SS, Volpato LE. Oral manifestations leading to the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a young girl. J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2012;30(2):166–8. https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003...
,3434 Fatahzadeh M, Krakow AM. Manifestation of acute monocytic leukemia in the oral cavity: a case report. Spec Care Dent. 2008;28(5):190–4. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1754-4505.2008.00039.x.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1754-4505.2008...
cervical lymphadenopathy,1717 Martini V, Schiavone P, Bonacina R, Mariani U, Rambaldi A. NK leukemia: a rare case of oral manifestations representing the initial sign. Ann Stomatol (Roma). 2013;4(Suppl 2). 28–28.,2727 Tag-Adeen M, Hashiguchi K, Akazawa Y, Ohnita K, Yasushi S, Daisuke N, et al. An unusual presentation of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. Ecancermedicalscience. 2018;12:1–7. https://doi.org/10.3332/ecancer.2018.801.
https://doi.org/10.3332/ecancer.2018.801...
,3434 Fatahzadeh M, Krakow AM. Manifestation of acute monocytic leukemia in the oral cavity: a case report. Spec Care Dent. 2008;28(5):190–4. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1754-4505.2008.00039.x.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1754-4505.2008...
dysphagia,99 Ratre M, Gulati R, Khetarpal S, Parihar A. Regular oral screening and vigilance: can it be a potential lifesaver? J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2018;22(2):171. https://doi.org/10.4103/jisp.jisp_136_18.
https://doi.org/10.4103/jisp.jisp_136_18...
,1616 Guan G, Firth N. Oral manifestations as an early clinical sign of acute myeloid leukaemia : a case report. 2015:123–7. doi:10.1111/adj.12272
https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12272...
,1717 Martini V, Schiavone P, Bonacina R, Mariani U, Rambaldi A. NK leukemia: a rare case of oral manifestations representing the initial sign. Ann Stomatol (Roma). 2013;4(Suppl 2). 28–28. facial asymmetry1010 Chae HS, Byun J-S, Jung J-K, Choi J-K. Trismus as an orofacial manifestation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. J Oral Med Pain. 2017;42(2):49–52. https://doi.org/10.14476/jomp.2017.42.2.49.
https://doi.org/10.14476/jomp.2017.42.2....
,2626 Silva BA, Siqueira CR, Castro PH, Araujo SS, Volpato LE. Oral manifestations leading to the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a young girl. J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2012;30(2):166–8. https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003...
,3131 Zhang Y, Li L, Ma L, Zhou F, Liu L. Maxillofacial mass as the first presentation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a nine-year-old girl. Auris Nasus Larynx. 2010;37(3):377–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anl.2009.08.004.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anl.2009.08.00...
,3737 Ponnam SR, Srivastava G, Jampani N, Kamath V. A fatal case of rapid gingival enlargement: case report with brief review. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2014;18(1):121–6. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-029X.131938.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-029X.131938...
and trismus.1010 Chae HS, Byun J-S, Jung J-K, Choi J-K. Trismus as an orofacial manifestation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. J Oral Med Pain. 2017;42(2):49–52. https://doi.org/10.14476/jomp.2017.42.2.49.
https://doi.org/10.14476/jomp.2017.42.2....
,1414 Sepulveda E, Brethauer U, Fernandez E, Cortes G, Mardones C. Oral manifestations as first clinical sign of acute myeloid leukemia: report of a case. Pediatr Dent. 2021;34(5):418–21 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23211920.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23211...

Other clinical signs and symptoms that were present, but were less frequent, included genital ulcers,1313 Aronovich S, Connolly TW. Pericoronitis as an initial manifestation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a case report. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2008;66(4):804-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2006.10.062.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2006.10.0...
vomiting,1111 Shimizu R, Ohga N, Miyakoshi M, Asaka T, Sato J, Kitagawa Y. Unusual maxillary osteoblastic and osteolytic lesions presenting as an initial manifestation of childhood acute myeloid leukemia: a case report. Quintessence Int (Berl). 2017;48(2):149–53. https://doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.a37383.
https://doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.a37383...
nausea,1111 Shimizu R, Ohga N, Miyakoshi M, Asaka T, Sato J, Kitagawa Y. Unusual maxillary osteoblastic and osteolytic lesions presenting as an initial manifestation of childhood acute myeloid leukemia: a case report. Quintessence Int (Berl). 2017;48(2):149–53. https://doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.a37383.
https://doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.a37383...
,1717 Martini V, Schiavone P, Bonacina R, Mariani U, Rambaldi A. NK leukemia: a rare case of oral manifestations representing the initial sign. Ann Stomatol (Roma). 2013;4(Suppl 2). 28–28. diarrhea,1111 Shimizu R, Ohga N, Miyakoshi M, Asaka T, Sato J, Kitagawa Y. Unusual maxillary osteoblastic and osteolytic lesions presenting as an initial manifestation of childhood acute myeloid leukemia: a case report. Quintessence Int (Berl). 2017;48(2):149–53. https://doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.a37383.
https://doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.a37383...
dizziness,1717 Martini V, Schiavone P, Bonacina R, Mariani U, Rambaldi A. NK leukemia: a rare case of oral manifestations representing the initial sign. Ann Stomatol (Roma). 2013;4(Suppl 2). 28–28. abdominal swelling,1212 Chung SW, Kim S, Choi JR, Yoo TH, Cha IH. Osteolytic mandible presenting as an initial manifestation of an adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2011;40 (12):1438–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijom.2011.01.013.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijom.2011.01.0...
petechiae in the leg and forearm,1212 Chung SW, Kim S, Choi JR, Yoo TH, Cha IH. Osteolytic mandible presenting as an initial manifestation of an adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2011;40 (12):1438–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijom.2011.01.013.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijom.2011.01.0...
,2121 Chowdhri K, Tandon S, Lamba A, Faraz F. Leukemic gingival enlargement: a case report and review of literature. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2018;22(4):77. https://doi.org/10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_205_17.
https://doi.org/10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_205_...
musculoskeletal pain,2626 Silva BA, Siqueira CR, Castro PH, Araujo SS, Volpato LE. Oral manifestations leading to the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a young girl. J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2012;30(2):166–8. https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003...
increased volume in the pre-sternal region2626 Silva BA, Siqueira CR, Castro PH, Araujo SS, Volpato LE. Oral manifestations leading to the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a young girl. J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2012;30(2):166–8. https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003...
and chills and joint pain.2121 Chowdhri K, Tandon S, Lamba A, Faraz F. Leukemic gingival enlargement: a case report and review of literature. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2018;22(4):77. https://doi.org/10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_205_17.
https://doi.org/10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_205_...

Results of laboratory tests that led to the presumptive diagnosis of oral MOLs

The blood count was the main blood test requested to help support the presumptive diagnosis of an oral MOL. Thrombo-cytopenia was present in 22 cases (59.09%),99 Ratre M, Gulati R, Khetarpal S, Parihar A. Regular oral screening and vigilance: can it be a potential lifesaver? J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2018;22(2):171. https://doi.org/10.4103/jisp.jisp_136_18.
https://doi.org/10.4103/jisp.jisp_136_18...
,1010 Chae HS, Byun J-S, Jung J-K, Choi J-K. Trismus as an orofacial manifestation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. J Oral Med Pain. 2017;42(2):49–52. https://doi.org/10.14476/jomp.2017.42.2.49.
https://doi.org/10.14476/jomp.2017.42.2....
,2424 Babu SPKK, Kashyap V, Sivaranjani P, Agila S. An undiagnosed case of acute myeloid leukemia. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2014;18(1):95–7. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.128257.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.128257...
,2525 Gowda TM, Thomas R, Shanmukhappa SM, Agarwal G, Mehta DS. Gingival enlargement as an early diagnostic indicator in therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia: a rare case report and review of literature. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2013;17 (2):248–52. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.113090.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.113090...
,3131 Zhang Y, Li L, Ma L, Zhou F, Liu L. Maxillofacial mass as the first presentation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a nine-year-old girl. Auris Nasus Larynx. 2010;37(3):377–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anl.2009.08.004.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anl.2009.08.00...
, 3232 Vázquez-Martínez C, Redondo-Alamillos M, Romance-García AI, Sánchez-Aniceto G Sarcoma mieloide intraoral: Forma poco común de debut de la leucemia aguda mieloide. Rev Esp Cir Oral y Maxilofac. 2019;41(1):41–3. https://doi.org/10.20986/recom.2019.1030/2019.
https://doi.org/10.20986/recom.2019.1030...
, 3333 Arora PC, Arora A, Arora S. Oral manifestations as an early clinical sign of acute myeloid leukemia: a report of two cases. Indian J Dermatol. 2020;65(3):241-3. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijd.IJD_511_18.
https://doi.org/10.4103/ijd.IJD_511_18...
, 3434 Fatahzadeh M, Krakow AM. Manifestation of acute monocytic leukemia in the oral cavity: a case report. Spec Care Dent. 2008;28(5):190–4. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1754-4505.2008.00039.x.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1754-4505.2008...
, 3535 Fu YW, Xu HZ. Gingival enlargement in a pregnant woman with acute monocytic leukaemia: a case report. Aust Dent J. 2017;62(3):386–9. https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12525.
https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12525...
, 3636 Lim HC, Kim CS. Oral signs of acute leukemia for early detection. J Periodontal Implant Sci. 2014;44(6):293–9. https://doi.org/10.5051/jpis.2014.44.6.293.
https://doi.org/10.5051/jpis.2014.44.6.2...
, 3737 Ponnam SR, Srivastava G, Jampani N, Kamath V. A fatal case of rapid gingival enlargement: case report with brief review. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2014;18(1):121–6. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-029X.131938.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-029X.131938...
, 3838 Reenesh M, Munishwar S, Rath SK. Generalised leukaemic gingival enlargement: a case report. J Oral Maxillofac Res. 2012;3 (3):1–6. https://doi.org/10.5037/jomr.2012.3305.
https://doi.org/10.5037/jomr.2012.3305...
,1212 Chung SW, Kim S, Choi JR, Yoo TH, Cha IH. Osteolytic mandible presenting as an initial manifestation of an adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2011;40 (12):1438–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijom.2011.01.013.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijom.2011.01.0...
,3939 Piedade Rosa BP, Ito FA, Trigo FC, Mizuno LT, Junior AT. Oral manifestation as the main sign of an advanced stage acute promyelocytic leukemia. Acta Stomatol Croat. 2018;52(4):358–62. https://doi.org/10.15644/asc52/4/10.
https://doi.org/10.15644/asc52/4/10...
,4040 Da Silva Santos PS, Fontes A, Flavio De A, De Sousa SCOMH. Gingival leukemic infiltration as the first manifestation of acute myeloid leukemia. Otolaryngol - Head Neck Surg. 2010;143(3):465–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otohns.2010.04.010.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otohns.2010.04...
,1414 Sepulveda E, Brethauer U, Fernandez E, Cortes G, Mardones C. Oral manifestations as first clinical sign of acute myeloid leukemia: report of a case. Pediatr Dent. 2021;34(5):418–21 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23211920.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23211...
,1515 Dalirsani Z, Javadzade Bolouri A, Delavarian Z, Bidad S, Sanatkhani M, Amirchaghmaghi M. Human T-lymphotropic virus-1 associated with adult T-cell lymphoma/leukemia and generalized expansion of palatal and jaw bones: a rare case report. J Dent (Shiraz Univ Med Sci. 2015;16(3):214–8.,1717 Martini V, Schiavone P, Bonacina R, Mariani U, Rambaldi A. NK leukemia: a rare case of oral manifestations representing the initial sign. Ann Stomatol (Roma). 2013;4(Suppl 2). 28–28.,1818 Suarez-Cuenca JA, Arellano-Snchez JL, Sacherling-Ocampo AA, Sanchez-Hernandez G, Perez-Guevara D, Chalapud-Revelo JR. Rapidly progressing, fatal and acute promyelocytic leukaemia that initially manifested as a painful third molar: a case report. J Med Case Rep. 2009;3:1–6. https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-3-102.
https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-3-102...
,2121 Chowdhri K, Tandon S, Lamba A, Faraz F. Leukemic gingival enlargement: a case report and review of literature. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2018;22(4):77. https://doi.org/10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_205_17.
https://doi.org/10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_205_...
, 2222 Chatzipantelis A, Atkin PA. Intra-oral noma-like lesion associated with acute myeloid leukaemia: a case report. Oral Surg. 2018;11(4):306–10. https://doi.org/10.1111/ors.12353.
https://doi.org/10.1111/ors.12353...
, 2323 Hasan S, Khan N, Lb Reddy. Leukemic gingival enlargement: report of a rare case with review of literature. Int J Appl Basic Med Res. 2015;5(1):65. https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-516x.149251.
https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-516x.149251...
anemia was present in 23 cases (63.63%),99 Ratre M, Gulati R, Khetarpal S, Parihar A. Regular oral screening and vigilance: can it be a potential lifesaver? J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2018;22(2):171. https://doi.org/10.4103/jisp.jisp_136_18.
https://doi.org/10.4103/jisp.jisp_136_18...
,1010 Chae HS, Byun J-S, Jung J-K, Choi J-K. Trismus as an orofacial manifestation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. J Oral Med Pain. 2017;42(2):49–52. https://doi.org/10.14476/jomp.2017.42.2.49.
https://doi.org/10.14476/jomp.2017.42.2....
,2525 Gowda TM, Thomas R, Shanmukhappa SM, Agarwal G, Mehta DS. Gingival enlargement as an early diagnostic indicator in therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia: a rare case report and review of literature. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2013;17 (2):248–52. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.113090.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.113090...
,2626 Silva BA, Siqueira CR, Castro PH, Araujo SS, Volpato LE. Oral manifestations leading to the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a young girl. J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2012;30(2):166–8. https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003...
,3131 Zhang Y, Li L, Ma L, Zhou F, Liu L. Maxillofacial mass as the first presentation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a nine-year-old girl. Auris Nasus Larynx. 2010;37(3):377–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anl.2009.08.004.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anl.2009.08.00...
, 3232 Vázquez-Martínez C, Redondo-Alamillos M, Romance-García AI, Sánchez-Aniceto G Sarcoma mieloide intraoral: Forma poco común de debut de la leucemia aguda mieloide. Rev Esp Cir Oral y Maxilofac. 2019;41(1):41–3. https://doi.org/10.20986/recom.2019.1030/2019.
https://doi.org/10.20986/recom.2019.1030...
, 3333 Arora PC, Arora A, Arora S. Oral manifestations as an early clinical sign of acute myeloid leukemia: a report of two cases. Indian J Dermatol. 2020;65(3):241-3. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijd.IJD_511_18.
https://doi.org/10.4103/ijd.IJD_511_18...
, 3434 Fatahzadeh M, Krakow AM. Manifestation of acute monocytic leukemia in the oral cavity: a case report. Spec Care Dent. 2008;28(5):190–4. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1754-4505.2008.00039.x.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1754-4505.2008...
, 3535 Fu YW, Xu HZ. Gingival enlargement in a pregnant woman with acute monocytic leukaemia: a case report. Aust Dent J. 2017;62(3):386–9. https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12525.
https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12525...
, 3636 Lim HC, Kim CS. Oral signs of acute leukemia for early detection. J Periodontal Implant Sci. 2014;44(6):293–9. https://doi.org/10.5051/jpis.2014.44.6.293.
https://doi.org/10.5051/jpis.2014.44.6.2...
, 3737 Ponnam SR, Srivastava G, Jampani N, Kamath V. A fatal case of rapid gingival enlargement: case report with brief review. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2014;18(1):121–6. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-029X.131938.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-029X.131938...
, 3838 Reenesh M, Munishwar S, Rath SK. Generalised leukaemic gingival enlargement: a case report. J Oral Maxillofac Res. 2012;3 (3):1–6. https://doi.org/10.5037/jomr.2012.3305.
https://doi.org/10.5037/jomr.2012.3305...
,1212 Chung SW, Kim S, Choi JR, Yoo TH, Cha IH. Osteolytic mandible presenting as an initial manifestation of an adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2011;40 (12):1438–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijom.2011.01.013.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijom.2011.01.0...
,3939 Piedade Rosa BP, Ito FA, Trigo FC, Mizuno LT, Junior AT. Oral manifestation as the main sign of an advanced stage acute promyelocytic leukemia. Acta Stomatol Croat. 2018;52(4):358–62. https://doi.org/10.15644/asc52/4/10.
https://doi.org/10.15644/asc52/4/10...
,4040 Da Silva Santos PS, Fontes A, Flavio De A, De Sousa SCOMH. Gingival leukemic infiltration as the first manifestation of acute myeloid leukemia. Otolaryngol - Head Neck Surg. 2010;143(3):465–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otohns.2010.04.010.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otohns.2010.04...
,1414 Sepulveda E, Brethauer U, Fernandez E, Cortes G, Mardones C. Oral manifestations as first clinical sign of acute myeloid leukemia: report of a case. Pediatr Dent. 2021;34(5):418–21 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23211920.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23211...
,1515 Dalirsani Z, Javadzade Bolouri A, Delavarian Z, Bidad S, Sanatkhani M, Amirchaghmaghi M. Human T-lymphotropic virus-1 associated with adult T-cell lymphoma/leukemia and generalized expansion of palatal and jaw bones: a rare case report. J Dent (Shiraz Univ Med Sci. 2015;16(3):214–8.,1717 Martini V, Schiavone P, Bonacina R, Mariani U, Rambaldi A. NK leukemia: a rare case of oral manifestations representing the initial sign. Ann Stomatol (Roma). 2013;4(Suppl 2). 28–28.,2020 Vourexakis Z. Oral lesions presenting as an early sign of acute leukaemia. BMJ Case Rep. 2015;2015(1):2014–5. https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2014-205100.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2014-205100...
,2222 Chatzipantelis A, Atkin PA. Intra-oral noma-like lesion associated with acute myeloid leukaemia: a case report. Oral Surg. 2018;11(4):306–10. https://doi.org/10.1111/ors.12353.
https://doi.org/10.1111/ors.12353...
, 2323 Hasan S, Khan N, Lb Reddy. Leukemic gingival enlargement: report of a rare case with review of literature. Int J Appl Basic Med Res. 2015;5(1):65. https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-516x.149251.
https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-516x.149251...
, 2424 Babu SPKK, Kashyap V, Sivaranjani P, Agila S. An undiagnosed case of acute myeloid leukemia. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2014;18(1):95–7. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.128257.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.128257...
leukocytosis was present in 19 cases (45.45%)99 Ratre M, Gulati R, Khetarpal S, Parihar A. Regular oral screening and vigilance: can it be a potential lifesaver? J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2018;22(2):171. https://doi.org/10.4103/jisp.jisp_136_18.
https://doi.org/10.4103/jisp.jisp_136_18...
,1111 Shimizu R, Ohga N, Miyakoshi M, Asaka T, Sato J, Kitagawa Y. Unusual maxillary osteoblastic and osteolytic lesions presenting as an initial manifestation of childhood acute myeloid leukemia: a case report. Quintessence Int (Berl). 2017;48(2):149–53. https://doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.a37383.
https://doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.a37383...
,3131 Zhang Y, Li L, Ma L, Zhou F, Liu L. Maxillofacial mass as the first presentation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a nine-year-old girl. Auris Nasus Larynx. 2010;37(3):377–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anl.2009.08.004.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anl.2009.08.00...
, 3232 Vázquez-Martínez C, Redondo-Alamillos M, Romance-García AI, Sánchez-Aniceto G Sarcoma mieloide intraoral: Forma poco común de debut de la leucemia aguda mieloide. Rev Esp Cir Oral y Maxilofac. 2019;41(1):41–3. https://doi.org/10.20986/recom.2019.1030/2019.
https://doi.org/10.20986/recom.2019.1030...
, 3333 Arora PC, Arora A, Arora S. Oral manifestations as an early clinical sign of acute myeloid leukemia: a report of two cases. Indian J Dermatol. 2020;65(3):241-3. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijd.IJD_511_18.
https://doi.org/10.4103/ijd.IJD_511_18...
, 3434 Fatahzadeh M, Krakow AM. Manifestation of acute monocytic leukemia in the oral cavity: a case report. Spec Care Dent. 2008;28(5):190–4. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1754-4505.2008.00039.x.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1754-4505.2008...
, 3535 Fu YW, Xu HZ. Gingival enlargement in a pregnant woman with acute monocytic leukaemia: a case report. Aust Dent J. 2017;62(3):386–9. https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12525.
https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12525...
, 3636 Lim HC, Kim CS. Oral signs of acute leukemia for early detection. J Periodontal Implant Sci. 2014;44(6):293–9. https://doi.org/10.5051/jpis.2014.44.6.293.
https://doi.org/10.5051/jpis.2014.44.6.2...
, 3737 Ponnam SR, Srivastava G, Jampani N, Kamath V. A fatal case of rapid gingival enlargement: case report with brief review. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2014;18(1):121–6. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-029X.131938.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-029X.131938...
, 3838 Reenesh M, Munishwar S, Rath SK. Generalised leukaemic gingival enlargement: a case report. J Oral Maxillofac Res. 2012;3 (3):1–6. https://doi.org/10.5037/jomr.2012.3305.
https://doi.org/10.5037/jomr.2012.3305...
, 3939 Piedade Rosa BP, Ito FA, Trigo FC, Mizuno LT, Junior AT. Oral manifestation as the main sign of an advanced stage acute promyelocytic leukemia. Acta Stomatol Croat. 2018;52(4):358–62. https://doi.org/10.15644/asc52/4/10.
https://doi.org/10.15644/asc52/4/10...
, 4040 Da Silva Santos PS, Fontes A, Flavio De A, De Sousa SCOMH. Gingival leukemic infiltration as the first manifestation of acute myeloid leukemia. Otolaryngol - Head Neck Surg. 2010;143(3):465–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otohns.2010.04.010.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otohns.2010.04...
,1313 Aronovich S, Connolly TW. Pericoronitis as an initial manifestation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a case report. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2008;66(4):804-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2006.10.062.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2006.10.0...
,1515 Dalirsani Z, Javadzade Bolouri A, Delavarian Z, Bidad S, Sanatkhani M, Amirchaghmaghi M. Human T-lymphotropic virus-1 associated with adult T-cell lymphoma/leukemia and generalized expansion of palatal and jaw bones: a rare case report. J Dent (Shiraz Univ Med Sci. 2015;16(3):214–8.,1717 Martini V, Schiavone P, Bonacina R, Mariani U, Rambaldi A. NK leukemia: a rare case of oral manifestations representing the initial sign. Ann Stomatol (Roma). 2013;4(Suppl 2). 28–28.,1818 Suarez-Cuenca JA, Arellano-Snchez JL, Sacherling-Ocampo AA, Sanchez-Hernandez G, Perez-Guevara D, Chalapud-Revelo JR. Rapidly progressing, fatal and acute promyelocytic leukaemia that initially manifested as a painful third molar: a case report. J Med Case Rep. 2009;3:1–6. https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-3-102.
https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-3-102...
,2222 Chatzipantelis A, Atkin PA. Intra-oral noma-like lesion associated with acute myeloid leukaemia: a case report. Oral Surg. 2018;11(4):306–10. https://doi.org/10.1111/ors.12353.
https://doi.org/10.1111/ors.12353...
, 2323 Hasan S, Khan N, Lb Reddy. Leukemic gingival enlargement: report of a rare case with review of literature. Int J Appl Basic Med Res. 2015;5(1):65. https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-516x.149251.
https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-516x.149251...
, 2424 Babu SPKK, Kashyap V, Sivaranjani P, Agila S. An undiagnosed case of acute myeloid leukemia. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2014;18(1):95–7. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.128257.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.128257...
, 2525 Gowda TM, Thomas R, Shanmukhappa SM, Agarwal G, Mehta DS. Gingival enlargement as an early diagnostic indicator in therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia: a rare case report and review of literature. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2013;17 (2):248–52. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.113090.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.113090...
and leukopenia was present in 5 cases (22.72%).1010 Chae HS, Byun J-S, Jung J-K, Choi J-K. Trismus as an orofacial manifestation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. J Oral Med Pain. 2017;42(2):49–52. https://doi.org/10.14476/jomp.2017.42.2.49.
https://doi.org/10.14476/jomp.2017.42.2....
,1212 Chung SW, Kim S, Choi JR, Yoo TH, Cha IH. Osteolytic mandible presenting as an initial manifestation of an adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2011;40 (12):1438–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijom.2011.01.013.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijom.2011.01.0...
,1414 Sepulveda E, Brethauer U, Fernandez E, Cortes G, Mardones C. Oral manifestations as first clinical sign of acute myeloid leukemia: report of a case. Pediatr Dent. 2021;34(5):418–21 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23211920.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23211...
,1919 Misirlioglu M, Adisen MZ, Yilmaz S. Diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia in a dental hospital; Report of a case with severe gingival hypertrophy. Niger J Clin Pract. 2015;18(4):573–6. https://doi.org/10.4103/1119-3077.151803.
https://doi.org/10.4103/1119-3077.151803...
,2626 Silva BA, Siqueira CR, Castro PH, Araujo SS, Volpato LE. Oral manifestations leading to the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a young girl. J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2012;30(2):166–8. https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003...
specialist.2828 Alessandrini M, Micarelli A, Mugnaini F, De Padova A, Pavone I, Bruno E. Unusual case of oral chronic lymphocytic leukemia presenting as recurrent epistaxis and asymptomatic intraoral swelling. Rev Stomatol Chir Maxillofac. 2012;113(6):455–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stomax.2012.10.001.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stomax.2012.10...
,3131 Zhang Y, Li L, Ma L, Zhou F, Liu L. Maxillofacial mass as the first presentation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a nine-year-old girl. Auris Nasus Larynx. 2010;37(3):377–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anl.2009.08.004.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anl.2009.08.00...
Dentists can perform a biopsy if the patient agrees with the procedure. Among all the case reports of this review, one patient refused biopsy. Nevertheless, because of the malignant characteristics, the patient was immediately referred to a specialist.1111 Shimizu R, Ohga N, Miyakoshi M, Asaka T, Sato J, Kitagawa Y. Unusual maxillary osteoblastic and osteolytic lesions presenting as an initial manifestation of childhood acute myeloid leukemia: a case report. Quintessence Int (Berl). 2017;48(2):149–53. https://doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.a37383.
https://doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.a37383...
Therefore, malignant characteristics in radiography, with clinical signs and symptoms that are suspected of being oral MOLs, need to be immediately referred to a specialist in hematology/oncology, regardless of whether an oral biopsy needs to be performed.

Discussion

The diagnosis of leukemia is based initially on clinical signs and symptoms that allow for the initial diagnosis of the disease. However, the definitive diagnosis is made by different complementary tests, such as karyotyping, flow cytometry and bone marrow biopsy.66 Burke VP, Startzell JM. The Lleukemias. Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 2008;20(4):597–608. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coms.2008.06.011.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coms.2008.06.0...
,4242 Zawitkowska J, Lejman M, Zaucha-Prazmo A, Drabko K, Plonowski M, Bulsa J, et al. Clinical characteristics and analysis of treatment result in children with Ph-positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in Poland between 2005 and 2017. Eur J Haematol. 2018;101(4):542–8. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejh.13142.
https://doi.org/10.1111/ejh.13142...
Early diagnosis allows the individual to start antineoplastic treatment as soon as possible, thus increasing the chance of survival and improving the prognosis.4343 Arber DA, Orazi A, Hasserjian R, Thiele J, Borowitz MJ, Le Beau MM, et al. The 2016 revision to the World Health Organization classification of myeloid neoplasms and acute leukemia. Blood. 2016;127(20):2391–405. https://doi.org/10.1182/blood-2016-03-643544.
https://doi.org/10.1182/blood-2016-03-64...

Before the diagnosis of leukemia, individuals can present with fatigue, fever, adenomegaly, hepatosplenomegaly, persistent or recurrent infections, hematomas, pallor, petechiae and unexpected bleeding from the skin and mucous membranes, including the oral mucosa.66 Burke VP, Startzell JM. The Lleukemias. Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 2008;20(4):597–608. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coms.2008.06.011.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coms.2008.06.0...
,4343 Arber DA, Orazi A, Hasserjian R, Thiele J, Borowitz MJ, Le Beau MM, et al. The 2016 revision to the World Health Organization classification of myeloid neoplasms and acute leukemia. Blood. 2016;127(20):2391–405. https://doi.org/10.1182/blood-2016-03-643544.
https://doi.org/10.1182/blood-2016-03-64...
These symptoms and clinical signs may be similar and appear in other systemic diseases, thus hindering an early diagnosis.22 Redaelli A, Stephens JM, Laskin BL, Pashos CL, Botteman MF. The burden and outcomes associated with four leukemias: AML, ALL, CLL and CML. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther. 2003;3 (3):311–29. https://doi.org/10.1586/14737140.3.3.311.
https://doi.org/10.1586/14737140.3.3.311...
In the current review, the oral MOLs were the main complaint during examination, however, fatigue, lethargy or tiredness, lymphade-nopathies, pallor, weight loss and loss of appetite were also reported, as well as the presence of dysphagia, facial asymmetry and trismus.

In this review, among the different types of leukemia with oral manifestations as the first clinical signs, acute leukemia was the most common, particularly acute myeloid leukemia; this finding is similar to that of previous studies.55 Hou GL, Huang JS, Tsai CC. Analysis of oral manifestations of leukemia: a retrospective study. Oral Dis. 1997;3(1):31–8. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-0825.1997.tb00006.x.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-0825.1997...
,4444 Lopez-Valverde N, Lopez-Valverde A, Diego RG, de, Ramírez JM, Flores-Fraile J, Muriel-Fernandez J. Gingival hyperplasia as an early manifestation of acute myeloid leukemia. A retrospective review. J Clin Exp Dent. 2019;11(12):1139-42. https://doi.org/10.4317/JCED.56214.
https://doi.org/10.4317/JCED.56214...
,4545 Busjan R, Hasenkamp J, Schmalz G, Haak R, Trumper L, Ziebolz D. Oral health status in adult patients with newly diagnosed acute leukemia. Clin Oral Investig. 2018;22(1):411–8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-017-2127-x.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-017-2127-...
The first oral MOLs include gingival bleeding, gingival hyperplasia, ulcers and petechiae.44 Watson E, Wood RE, Maxymiw WG, Schimmer AD. Prevalence of oral lesions in and dental needs of patients with newly diagnosed acute leukemia. J Am Dent Assoc. 2018;149(6):470–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2018.01.019.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2018.01.0...
,55 Hou GL, Huang JS, Tsai CC. Analysis of oral manifestations of leukemia: a retrospective study. Oral Dis. 1997;3(1):31–8. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-0825.1997.tb00006.x.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-0825.1997...
,4444 Lopez-Valverde N, Lopez-Valverde A, Diego RG, de, Ramírez JM, Flores-Fraile J, Muriel-Fernandez J. Gingival hyperplasia as an early manifestation of acute myeloid leukemia. A retrospective review. J Clin Exp Dent. 2019;11(12):1139-42. https://doi.org/10.4317/JCED.56214.
https://doi.org/10.4317/JCED.56214...
, 4545 Busjan R, Hasenkamp J, Schmalz G, Haak R, Trumper L, Ziebolz D. Oral health status in adult patients with newly diagnosed acute leukemia. Clin Oral Investig. 2018;22(1):411–8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-017-2127-x.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-017-2127-...
, 4646 Gomes AO, Silva Junior A, Noce CW, Ferreira M, Maiolino A, Torres SR. The frequency of oral conditions detected in hematology inpatients. Hematol Transfus Cell Ther. 2018;40(3):240–4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.htct.2018.02.006.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.htct.2018.02.0...
When oral MOLs are present, it is easier for patients to identify these clinical signs because of the visibility of the mouth, compared to other body structures. All cases that were included in this review reported oral lesions as the main complaint, which was the principal reason for visiting dentists before being referred to specialists in the field of oncohematology for the final diagnosis of leukemia.

Oral MOLs can be found mainly in the gingiva, lips, hard and/or soft palate and tongue.55 Hou GL, Huang JS, Tsai CC. Analysis of oral manifestations of leukemia: a retrospective study. Oral Dis. 1997;3(1):31–8. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-0825.1997.tb00006.x.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-0825.1997...
In all case reports in this review, the clinical signs of leukemia in the mouth affected mainly the soft tissues. The gingival tissue had the highest manifestation99 Ratre M, Gulati R, Khetarpal S, Parihar A. Regular oral screening and vigilance: can it be a potential lifesaver? J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2018;22(2):171. https://doi.org/10.4103/jisp.jisp_136_18.
https://doi.org/10.4103/jisp.jisp_136_18...
,1212 Chung SW, Kim S, Choi JR, Yoo TH, Cha IH. Osteolytic mandible presenting as an initial manifestation of an adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2011;40 (12):1438–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijom.2011.01.013.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijom.2011.01.0...
,2626 Silva BA, Siqueira CR, Castro PH, Araujo SS, Volpato LE. Oral manifestations leading to the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a young girl. J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2012;30(2):166–8. https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003...
,2727 Tag-Adeen M, Hashiguchi K, Akazawa Y, Ohnita K, Yasushi S, Daisuke N, et al. An unusual presentation of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. Ecancermedicalscience. 2018;12:1–7. https://doi.org/10.3332/ecancer.2018.801.
https://doi.org/10.3332/ecancer.2018.801...
,3030 Papamanthos MK, Kolokotronis AE, Skulakis HE, Fericean AM, Zorba MT, Matiakis AT. Acute myeloid leukaemia diagnosed by intra-oral myeloid sarcoma. A case report. Head Neck Pathol. 2010;4(2):132–5. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12105-010-0163-9.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12105-010-0163-...
,1515 Dalirsani Z, Javadzade Bolouri A, Delavarian Z, Bidad S, Sanatkhani M, Amirchaghmaghi M. Human T-lymphotropic virus-1 associated with adult T-cell lymphoma/leukemia and generalized expansion of palatal and jaw bones: a rare case report. J Dent (Shiraz Univ Med Sci. 2015;16(3):214–8.,1717 Martini V, Schiavone P, Bonacina R, Mariani U, Rambaldi A. NK leukemia: a rare case of oral manifestations representing the initial sign. Ann Stomatol (Roma). 2013;4(Suppl 2). 28–28., 1818 Suarez-Cuenca JA, Arellano-Snchez JL, Sacherling-Ocampo AA, Sanchez-Hernandez G, Perez-Guevara D, Chalapud-Revelo JR. Rapidly progressing, fatal and acute promyelocytic leukaemia that initially manifested as a painful third molar: a case report. J Med Case Rep. 2009;3:1–6. https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-3-102.
https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-3-102...
, 1919 Misirlioglu M, Adisen MZ, Yilmaz S. Diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia in a dental hospital; Report of a case with severe gingival hypertrophy. Niger J Clin Pract. 2015;18(4):573–6. https://doi.org/10.4103/1119-3077.151803.
https://doi.org/10.4103/1119-3077.151803...
,2121 Chowdhri K, Tandon S, Lamba A, Faraz F. Leukemic gingival enlargement: a case report and review of literature. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2018;22(4):77. https://doi.org/10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_205_17.
https://doi.org/10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_205_...
,2323 Hasan S, Khan N, Lb Reddy. Leukemic gingival enlargement: report of a rare case with review of literature. Int J Appl Basic Med Res. 2015;5(1):65. https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-516x.149251.
https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-516x.149251...
, 2424 Babu SPKK, Kashyap V, Sivaranjani P, Agila S. An undiagnosed case of acute myeloid leukemia. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2014;18(1):95–7. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.128257.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.128257...
, 2525 Gowda TM, Thomas R, Shanmukhappa SM, Agarwal G, Mehta DS. Gingival enlargement as an early diagnostic indicator in therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia: a rare case report and review of literature. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2013;17 (2):248–52. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.113090.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.113090...
among the types of leukemia and the mouth floor, parotid, tongue and nasolabial region1010 Chae HS, Byun J-S, Jung J-K, Choi J-K. Trismus as an orofacial manifestation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. J Oral Med Pain. 2017;42(2):49–52. https://doi.org/10.14476/jomp.2017.42.2.49.
https://doi.org/10.14476/jomp.2017.42.2....
,1313 Aronovich S, Connolly TW. Pericoronitis as an initial manifestation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a case report. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2008;66(4):804-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2006.10.062.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2006.10.0...
,1616 Guan G, Firth N. Oral manifestations as an early clinical sign of acute myeloid leukaemia : a case report. 2015:123–7. doi:10.1111/adj.12272
https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12272...
,2323 Hasan S, Khan N, Lb Reddy. Leukemic gingival enlargement: report of a rare case with review of literature. Int J Appl Basic Med Res. 2015;5(1):65. https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-516x.149251.
https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-516x.149251...
,2626 Silva BA, Siqueira CR, Castro PH, Araujo SS, Volpato LE. Oral manifestations leading to the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a young girl. J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2012;30(2):166–8. https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-4388.100003...
had the lowest manifestations. Some cases reported spontaneous pain at the time of the complaint and this was one of the main reasons for seeking dental care.

In this review, it was identified that bone structures, such as the maxilla and/or mandible, had the principal features of areas with increased volume, rapid growth and dental mobility without apparent cause as part of the first clinical signs of leukemia. These characteristics led to the suspicion of malignant bone lesions, thus necessitating evaluation by imaging exams.1111 Shimizu R, Ohga N, Miyakoshi M, Asaka T, Sato J, Kitagawa Y. Unusual maxillary osteoblastic and osteolytic lesions presenting as an initial manifestation of childhood acute myeloid leukemia: a case report. Quintessence Int (Berl). 2017;48(2):149–53. https://doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.a37383.
https://doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.a37383...
,1919 Misirlioglu M, Adisen MZ, Yilmaz S. Diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia in a dental hospital; Report of a case with severe gingival hypertrophy. Niger J Clin Pract. 2015;18(4):573–6. https://doi.org/10.4103/1119-3077.151803.
https://doi.org/10.4103/1119-3077.151803...
,2020 Vourexakis Z. Oral lesions presenting as an early sign of acute leukaemia. BMJ Case Rep. 2015;2015(1):2014–5. https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2014-205100.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2014-205100...
,2828 Alessandrini M, Micarelli A, Mugnaini F, De Padova A, Pavone I, Bruno E. Unusual case of oral chronic lymphocytic leukemia presenting as recurrent epistaxis and asymptomatic intraoral swelling. Rev Stomatol Chir Maxillofac. 2012;113(6):455–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stomax.2012.10.001.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stomax.2012.10...
,3131 Zhang Y, Li L, Ma L, Zhou F, Liu L. Maxillofacial mass as the first presentation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a nine-year-old girl. Auris Nasus Larynx. 2010;37(3):377–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anl.2009.08.004.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anl.2009.08.00...

Complementary imaging examinations, such as panoramic radiography and computed tomography, are essential to evaluate bone structures in greater detail. For this reason, when radiography revealed the characteristics of malignant bone lesions, the patients were referred immediately to specialists in hematology/oncology.1919 Misirlioglu M, Adisen MZ, Yilmaz S. Diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia in a dental hospital; Report of a case with severe gingival hypertrophy. Niger J Clin Pract. 2015;18(4):573–6. https://doi.org/10.4103/1119-3077.151803.
https://doi.org/10.4103/1119-3077.151803...
,2020 Vourexakis Z. Oral lesions presenting as an early sign of acute leukaemia. BMJ Case Rep. 2015;2015(1):2014–5. https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2014-205100.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2014-205100...

Other dentists used the radiographs to guide the incisional biopsy, which was also useful for early referral to a

Bone alterations as oral MOLs are rare, however, when present, they can provoke facial asymmetry, which can be the main reason for seeking dental care.3131 Zhang Y, Li L, Ma L, Zhou F, Liu L. Maxillofacial mass as the first presentation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a nine-year-old girl. Auris Nasus Larynx. 2010;37(3):377–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anl.2009.08.004.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anl.2009.08.00...
Some bone alterations were also present in children.1919 Misirlioglu M, Adisen MZ, Yilmaz S. Diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia in a dental hospital; Report of a case with severe gingival hypertrophy. Niger J Clin Pract. 2015;18(4):573–6. https://doi.org/10.4103/1119-3077.151803.
https://doi.org/10.4103/1119-3077.151803...
,3131 Zhang Y, Li L, Ma L, Zhou F, Liu L. Maxillofacial mass as the first presentation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a nine-year-old girl. Auris Nasus Larynx. 2010;37(3):377–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anl.2009.08.004.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anl.2009.08.00...
Therefore, bone alterations can also appear in patients who are still undergoing bone development.

The literature mentioned that children and adolescents with leukemia, who are undergoing bone development and bone maturation, respectively, had bone areas with osteo-tropic characteristics that can promote the local invasion of malignant cells into bone structures, thus provoking their destruction.4747 Schajnovitz A, Scadden DT. Bone ’ s dark side : mutated osteoblasts implicated in leukemia. Nat Publ Gr. 2014: 383–4. https://doi.org/10.1038/cr.2014.26.
https://doi.org/10.1038/cr.2014.26...
,4848 Recine M, Castellano-sanchez AA, Sheldon J. Precursor B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma /leukemia presenting as osteoblastic bone lesions. 2002;6(4):236–243. doi:10.1053/adpa.2002.34733
https://doi.org/10.1053/adpa.2002.34733...

Moreover, hypercalcemia was found in adult patients with bone MOLs.1111 Shimizu R, Ohga N, Miyakoshi M, Asaka T, Sato J, Kitagawa Y. Unusual maxillary osteoblastic and osteolytic lesions presenting as an initial manifestation of childhood acute myeloid leukemia: a case report. Quintessence Int (Berl). 2017;48(2):149–53. https://doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.a37383.
https://doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.a37383...
,3636 Lim HC, Kim CS. Oral signs of acute leukemia for early detection. J Periodontal Implant Sci. 2014;44(6):293–9. https://doi.org/10.5051/jpis.2014.44.6.293.
https://doi.org/10.5051/jpis.2014.44.6.2...
One of the clinical reports in this review mentioned that hypercalcemia was associated with the ectopic production of the parathyroid hormone protein, in addition to a severe increase in alkaline phosphatase levels.1111 Shimizu R, Ohga N, Miyakoshi M, Asaka T, Sato J, Kitagawa Y. Unusual maxillary osteoblastic and osteolytic lesions presenting as an initial manifestation of childhood acute myeloid leukemia: a case report. Quintessence Int (Berl). 2017;48(2):149–53. https://doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.a37383.
https://doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.a37383...
Oral manifestations in bone structures as the first clinical signs of leukemia are considered extremely rare, however, after chemotherapy, the bone lesions can regress and the follow-up can be performed via radiography examination.1111 Shimizu R, Ohga N, Miyakoshi M, Asaka T, Sato J, Kitagawa Y. Unusual maxillary osteoblastic and osteolytic lesions presenting as an initial manifestation of childhood acute myeloid leukemia: a case report. Quintessence Int (Berl). 2017;48(2):149–53. https://doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.a37383.
https://doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.a37383...
,1919 Misirlioglu M, Adisen MZ, Yilmaz S. Diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia in a dental hospital; Report of a case with severe gingival hypertrophy. Niger J Clin Pract. 2015;18(4):573–6. https://doi.org/10.4103/1119-3077.151803.
https://doi.org/10.4103/1119-3077.151803...
,2020 Vourexakis Z. Oral lesions presenting as an early sign of acute leukaemia. BMJ Case Rep. 2015;2015(1):2014–5. https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2014-205100.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2014-205100...
,2828 Alessandrini M, Micarelli A, Mugnaini F, De Padova A, Pavone I, Bruno E. Unusual case of oral chronic lymphocytic leukemia presenting as recurrent epistaxis and asymptomatic intraoral swelling. Rev Stomatol Chir Maxillofac. 2012;113(6):455–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stomax.2012.10.001.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stomax.2012.10...
,3131 Zhang Y, Li L, Ma L, Zhou F, Liu L. Maxillofacial mass as the first presentation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a nine-year-old girl. Auris Nasus Larynx. 2010;37(3):377–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anl.2009.08.004.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anl.2009.08.00...

The diagnosis of leukemia can be challenging and complex, particularly when the oral MOLs have characteristics similar to those of other systemic diseases and specific oral diseases. In this review, 11 cases of oral MOLs were initially confused with other lesions that presented clinical signs and symptoms that are identical to those of some oral diseases.1414 Sepulveda E, Brethauer U, Fernandez E, Cortes G, Mardones C. Oral manifestations as first clinical sign of acute myeloid leukemia: report of a case. Pediatr Dent. 2021;34(5):418–21 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23211920.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23211...
,1515 Dalirsani Z, Javadzade Bolouri A, Delavarian Z, Bidad S, Sanatkhani M, Amirchaghmaghi M. Human T-lymphotropic virus-1 associated with adult T-cell lymphoma/leukemia and generalized expansion of palatal and jaw bones: a rare case report. J Dent (Shiraz Univ Med Sci. 2015;16(3):214–8.,3535 Fu YW, Xu HZ. Gingival enlargement in a pregnant woman with acute monocytic leukaemia: a case report. Aust Dent J. 2017;62(3):386–9. https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12525.
https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12525...
,3636 Lim HC, Kim CS. Oral signs of acute leukemia for early detection. J Periodontal Implant Sci. 2014;44(6):293–9. https://doi.org/10.5051/jpis.2014.44.6.293.
https://doi.org/10.5051/jpis.2014.44.6.2...
,1919 Misirlioglu M, Adisen MZ, Yilmaz S. Diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia in a dental hospital; Report of a case with severe gingival hypertrophy. Niger J Clin Pract. 2015;18(4):573–6. https://doi.org/10.4103/1119-3077.151803.
https://doi.org/10.4103/1119-3077.151803...
, 2020 Vourexakis Z. Oral lesions presenting as an early sign of acute leukaemia. BMJ Case Rep. 2015;2015(1):2014–5. https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2014-205100.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2014-205100...
, 2121 Chowdhri K, Tandon S, Lamba A, Faraz F. Leukemic gingival enlargement: a case report and review of literature. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2018;22(4):77. https://doi.org/10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_205_17.
https://doi.org/10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_205_...
,2525 Gowda TM, Thomas R, Shanmukhappa SM, Agarwal G, Mehta DS. Gingival enlargement as an early diagnostic indicator in therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia: a rare case report and review of literature. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2013;17 (2):248–52. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.113090.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.113090...
,2727 Tag-Adeen M, Hashiguchi K, Akazawa Y, Ohnita K, Yasushi S, Daisuke N, et al. An unusual presentation of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. Ecancermedicalscience. 2018;12:1–7. https://doi.org/10.3332/ecancer.2018.801.
https://doi.org/10.3332/ecancer.2018.801...
,2828 Alessandrini M, Micarelli A, Mugnaini F, De Padova A, Pavone I, Bruno E. Unusual case of oral chronic lymphocytic leukemia presenting as recurrent epistaxis and asymptomatic intraoral swelling. Rev Stomatol Chir Maxillofac. 2012;113(6):455–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stomax.2012.10.001.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stomax.2012.10...
,3232 Vázquez-Martínez C, Redondo-Alamillos M, Romance-García AI, Sánchez-Aniceto G Sarcoma mieloide intraoral: Forma poco común de debut de la leucemia aguda mieloide. Rev Esp Cir Oral y Maxilofac. 2019;41(1):41–3. https://doi.org/10.20986/recom.2019.1030/2019.
https://doi.org/10.20986/recom.2019.1030...
,3333 Arora PC, Arora A, Arora S. Oral manifestations as an early clinical sign of acute myeloid leukemia: a report of two cases. Indian J Dermatol. 2020;65(3):241-3. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijd.IJD_511_18.
https://doi.org/10.4103/ijd.IJD_511_18...

For example, a case report included in this review mentioned pericoronitis as an initial diagnosis, which is characterized by inflammation, pain, trismus and sometimes, infection associated with the periodontitis eruption of the third molar tooth.2121 Chowdhri K, Tandon S, Lamba A, Faraz F. Leukemic gingival enlargement: a case report and review of literature. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2018;22(4):77. https://doi.org/10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_205_17.
https://doi.org/10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_205_...
The oral MOL in this case presented characteristics that initially mimicked the oral MOL. Therefore, the referral to the hematologist was delayed. Another case report in which the final diagnosis was leukemia had pregnancy gingivitis or hyperplasia as the first diagnosis.2525 Gowda TM, Thomas R, Shanmukhappa SM, Agarwal G, Mehta DS. Gingival enlargement as an early diagnostic indicator in therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia: a rare case report and review of literature. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2013;17 (2):248–52. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.113090.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.113090...
Some pregnant patients with relative frequency may present with changes in the gingival tissue, such as gingivitis. Therefore, considering that the patient was pregnant, the initial diagnosis coincided with the clinical condition of the patient.

Complementary tests, such as the complete blood count, were essential in establishing the initial diagnosis based on the first oral MOL. In this review, a blood count was requested for all patients and this approach allowed for the immediate referral to specialists in hematology/oncology. The main alterations were leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, anemia and the presence of blasts in the blood count, which was essential and useful, not only in diagnosing leukemia, but also in evaluating the prognosis and guiding the treatment of the patient. An early diagnosis of leukemia corresponds to a high chance of survival.

This integrative review included data from patients of different ages and therefore, we did not analyze the data by age group. This was a limitation because there is a possibility of finding specific first clinical signs of leukemia in the oral cavity of children, young people and the elderly.

Conclusions

Leukemia may present with oral manifestations as part of its first clinical signs. Acute leukemia was the type with the most oral manifestations, particularly acute myeloid leukemia. The anatomical structures most affected in the oral cavity were the gingival tissue, jugal mucosa and hard or soft palate. When oral MOLs were present in hard tissues, such as the maxilla or mandible, dental mobility was the main clinical characteristic. The main complementary test to help formulate the initial diagnosis of leukemia and referral to specialists, such as a hematologist and/or oncologist, was the complete blood count, which can identify leukocytosis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia.

  • Funding
    This study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aper-feiç oamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - Brasil (CAPES) - Finance Code 001.

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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    10 Oct 2022
  • Date of issue
    Jul-Sep 2022

History

  • Received
    20 Jan 2021
  • Accepted
    06 Aug 2021
  • Published
    22 Nov 2021
Associação Brasileira de Hematologia, Hemoterapia e Terapia Celular (ABHH) R. Dr. Diogo de Faria, 775 cj 133, 04037-002, São Paulo / SP - Brasil - São Paulo - SP - Brazil
E-mail: htct@abhh.org.br