Sinus polyp-associated soft tissue lesion and unilateral blindness: complications of extraction in leukemic patient

Abstract

A case of an inflammatory polyp-associated lesion extending through an extraction socket appearing as an intraoral nodular lesion and unilateral blindness secondary to leukemic optic nerve head infiltration is reported. The patient was a 28-year-old male whose his upper first molar had been extracted fifteen days previously. The lesion was an asymptomatic soft tissue mass, red in color and hot tender to palpation, involving the alveolar ridge in the maxillary molar area. Although this is apparently a rare occurrence, the nature of the lesion was suggested by the history, clinical appearance, and radiographic findings. Excision of the inflammatory lesion was followed by complete healing with closure of the lesion. Unfortunately, the blindness was irreversible. The patient is still under leukemia therapy. Review of the literature did not yield any other such cases. The role of oral lesions as a diagnostic indicator and the importance of dental surgeons in the diagnosis of leukemic patients are discussed. It is concluded that proper precautions and meticulous early diagnosis are required in these patients and that dental practitioners should be aware of the diagnostic features and possibilities of oral complications associated with leukemia.