LEUKEMIA is a type of cancer that affects blood cells.
It can cause unusual bleeding, such as nosebleeds or bleeding gums.
Before anything else, it should be stated that leukemia is not always the cause and a doctor or dentist should be consulted for advice when bleeding gums occur.
Leukemia is a type of blood cancer involving the overproduction of abnormal or non-functioning white blood cells.
White blood cells are produced in the bone marrow. They protect the body from diseases and infections, attacking bacteria and viruses that compromise health. In other words, they are the mainstays of the immune system.
Leukemia occurs when there is an abnormal amount of white blood cells.
When the blood or blood cells change, the platelets that help with blood clotting may be affected. Severe bleeding may not be prevented. This is why bleeding is a common symptom of leukemia.
In acute myeloid leukemia, for example, the gums swell and cause bleeding especially when touched by a toothbrush.
Leukemia is suspected when bleeding gums occur in a healthy person with no symptoms of a gum disease.
The symptoms – due to the destruction of blood cells – include bleeding in the mouth, tongue, lips or cheeks. Gums may be painful and swollen.
There is an overgrowth of gum tissue around the teeth; in which case, the teeth may suddenly appear different. The inside of the mouth or the gums may appear pale.
Sores may be observed in the mouth.
And yet, leukemia might not be the cause of bleeding gums. It could be gum disease.
As we said before, it is best to consult a dentist and/or a doctor.
This is recommended when there is pain, soreness or white growths on the tongue or mouth. Or when brushing your teeth is painful to the gums. Or when the gum bleeds.
The Department of Health considers leukemia as among the top 5 cancers that result in death.
According to the Philippine Cancer Society’s 2015 Philippine Cancer Facts & Estimates report, four in every 100,000 Filipinos will develop leukemia in the course of their lives. Around 4,270 new cases were diagnosed in 2015 when 3,386 deaths linked to leukemia were recorded.
Lymphoid leukemia is the most common type of the disease among Filipino children and those over 70 years of age.
The survival rate of Metro Manila children with acute lymphoid leukemia is 34 percent, a rate lower than those in the United States which is 86 percent.
The five-year survival rate of adults with leukemia in Metro Manila is 5.2 percent, a rate lower than that in the US (48.4 percent).
Then again, we must not take bleeding gums for granted. Consult your dentist and/or doctor.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim is the former Associate Dean of the UE College of Dentistry, former Dean of the College of Dentistry, National University, past president and honorary fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy, and honorary fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists and Honorary Life Member of Thai Association of Dental Implantology. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515./PN
