Gordon M R, O'Neal R B, Woodyard S G
J Periodontol. 1985 May;56(5):285-7. doi: 10.1902/jop.1985.56.5.285.
A case representing previously misdiagnosed acute myeloblastic leukemia associated with an absence of classical intraoral manifestations is presented. Platelet count was less than 15,000, and hematocrit was 20.3, yet clinical signs were limited to malaise and extreme gingival and mucosal pallor. The typical initial signs of gingival enlargement or hemorrhage never appeared, probably due to excellent plaque control by this patient. Mucosal color changes dictated the need for laboratory studies leading to a rapid and relatively early diagnosis.