The value of panoramic radiographic examination in patients with leukemia before medical management.

Panoramic radiographs were completed for patients with leukemia before the start of medical management. The radiographs were taken as part of the patient admission evaluation. Patients were examined and followed throughout the course of their medical management. Panoramic radiographs did not identify pathologic conditions that were not identified clinically or that required management during medical therapy. The radiograph evaluation was of value in correlation with clinical findings and was required before dental treatment. It is concluded that panoramic radiograph evaluation of patients with leukemia is not indicated as part of their routine evaluation and should not be used to screen patients for occult pathosis. The use of these radiographs should be based on history and examination findings.