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

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.