Overview of leukemia
Leukemia is a malignant tumor of the hematopoietic system originating from hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Its clinical manifestations are mainly related to the inhibition of normal hematopoiesis in the bone marrow and infiltration of extramedullary tissues and organs caused by the uncontrolled proliferation of leukemia cells, such as infiltration of tonsils and pharyngeal isthmus, which results in non-inflammatory enlargement of tonsils and lymphatic tissues at the base of the tongue and ulceration of pharyngeal isthmus, which can cause severe pain, dysphagia, bad breath and restriction of opening the mouth, and so on, and it is called leukemogenic isthmus pharyngeal inflammation. The diagnosis can be clarified by the symptoms and signs of leukemia, peripheral blood and bone marrow examination, and typical tissue necrosis manifestations in the pharynx. Treatment is based on systemic combined chemotherapy for leukemia, and anti-infective therapy is given if infection is complicated, with attention to supportive therapy. Local gargling solution can be used to keep the mouth and pharynx clean as well as symptomatic treatment.
Etiology
Leukemia cells infiltrate tonsils and pharyngeal isthmus, causing non-inflammatory enlargement of lymphatic tissue and pharyngitis.
Symptoms
Ulceration of the pharyngeal isthmus, which may cause severe pain, dysphagia, halitosis and restricted mouth opening, as well as symptoms of leukemia.
Examination
Blood picture, bone marrow picture, pharyngeal examination.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis can be clarified by the symptoms and signs of leukemia, peripheral blood and bone marrow examinations, and the typical necrotic tissue manifestations in the pharynx.
Treatment
Treatment is based on systemic combined chemotherapy for leukemia, and anti-infective treatment is given in case of complication of infection, while attention is paid to giving supportive treatment. Local gargling solution can be used to keep the mouth and pharynx clean as well as symptomatic treatment.