Post-chemotherapeutic resolution of acute myeloid leukaemia-induced gingival enlargement: a case report

• Published in: SADJ (Houghton) Vol. 67; no. 7; p. 344
• Main Authors: Singh-Rambiritch, S, Wood, N H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: South Africa 01.08.2012
• Subjects: Adult; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic - administration & dosage; Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic - administration & dosage; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols - therapeutic use; Cytarabine - administration & dosage; Daunorubicin - administration & dosage; Early Detection of Cancer; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Gingiva - pathology; Gingival Hemorrhage - etiology; Gingival Overgrowth - drug therapy; Gingival Overgrowth - etiology; Gingivitis, Necrotizing Ulcerative - etiology; Humans; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute - complications; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute - diagnosis; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute - drug therapy; Leukemic Infiltration - complications; Remission Induction
• ISSN: 1029-4864

Leukaemia is a neoplastic dsorder characterized by an excessive proliferation of immature white blood cells and their precursors. Patients with this potentially fatal condition may often first present with gingival enlargement. Early diagnosis of the underlying condition and prompt referral for appropriate therapy, may be life-saving. A 27-year-old female was referred to the Department of Oral Medicine and Periodontology complaining of a generalised gingival enlargement that was aesthetically displeasing to her. She insisted on immediate surgical removal of the enlarged gingival tissue but, on counseling, agreed to have prior diagnostic tests performed. A full blood count suggested the presence of an underlying acute myeloid leukaemia. The patient was consequently referred to the Oncology Department for further investigation and management. The diagnosis was confirmed and the subsequent chemotherapeutic intervention was strikingly successful, leading to the complete resolution of the gingival enlargement. This paper emphasises the importance of a full diagnostic evaluation of all cases of gingival enlargement and immediate referral should a life-threatening condition be identified, such as, in the present case, acute myeloid leukaemia.