Granulocytic sarcoma and lymphoblastomas of the maxillofacial region in leukemic patients : clinical and cytological study

Abstract EN

Aims of the study : Clinical and cytological features of seven cases of leukemic jaw infiltrate.

Patients and methods : Seven cases of localized gingival and / or jaw leukemic infiltrates (Chloromas and lymphoblastoma), were diagnosed by fine needle aspiration (FNAC), throughout a period of 4 years.

Results : Of the seven cases, 4 were acute myeloid leukemia (AML), 2 acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and one was chronic leukemic (CML).

In one case (AML, M3) subtype, the gingival chloromatous mass was one of the presenting features of the disease, while in the remaining 3 AML cases, jaw masses were the only sign of leukemic relapse.

The localized lymphocytic infiltrates (lymphoblastoma), in two ALL cases were seen while the patients were in the first relapse.

The last case, in a patient with CML, the mandible chloromatous mass was the presenting site of extramedullary blastic crises.

Conclusion : Chloromas can affect the maxillofacial region in leukemic patients at any time throughout the period the disease.

FNAC is a useful diagnostic procedure for such tumor masses.