Specific infiltration in the hard palate in chronic lymphatic leukemia.

Abstract

To the Editor.— Specific infiltrations in the mouth, while relatively frequent in the acute forms of leukemias, are rare in chronic lymphatic leukemia (CLL). 1,2 We presently report a CLL case in which a huge leukemic infiltration in the hard palate was diagnosed. Report of a Case.— A 77-year-old housewife, known to have CLL since 1972, was treated with chlorambucil and cyclophosphamide, monitored according to her blood counts. Her condition was satisfactory till June 1977, when she noted a painful swelling in her hard palate where a necrotic ulcer, 3×2 cm with regular and smooth border, was seen. A biopsy specimen from the latter showed massive infiltration with small lymphocytes, consistent with the diagnosis of CLL. A local cobalt irradiation (400 rads) completely healed this lesion. Comment.— Oral manifestations such as gingival hypertrophy, hemorrhages, ulcerations, necroses, and infections, while common in the acute forms of leukemia, are rare in CLL,