A case of myeloid sarcoma of the mandibular gingiva as extramedullary relapse of acute myeloid leukemia

Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2020 Mar;24(1):121-126. doi: 10.1007/s10006-019-00812-y. Epub 2019 Dec 1.

Abstract

Purpose: Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is defined as a tumorous mass of myeloblasts or immature myeloid cells involving an extramedullary anatomic site. MS occurs in 3 to 8% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia. The overwhelming majority of MS occurs in the skin, bones, and gastrointestinal tract; intraoral MS (IMS) is extremely rare.

Methods: We describe a case of MS of the mandibular gingiva in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia that was in remission. We also present a review of the English and Japanese literature with a special focus on the management and prognosis of intraoral MS.

Results: The patient was discharged while in remission 8 months after the initial examination.

Conclusion: The prognosis of IMS is extremely poor in general, and a diagnostic delay can prevent adequate therapy by hematologists and oncologists. All dental clinicians must keep the possibility of IMS in mind and carefully examine all patients with AML.

Keywords: Intraoral myeloid sarcoma; Mandibular gingiva; Myeloid sarcoma; Prognosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Delayed Diagnosis
  • Gingiva
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute*
  • Recurrence
  • Sarcoma, Myeloid*