The presentation and management of oral lesions in leukaemia

Oral symptoms constitute one of the greatest sources of discomfort and potential danger in leukaemia; a painful and infected mouth often leads to interference with the intake of nutrients or even fluids, and further compromises an already difficult situation. Even in terminal situations where no further hope exists, the comfort of patients is greatly enhanced by an equally energetic approach to oral problems; there can be few more distressing deaths than that of a leukaemic patient with a neglected mouth and throat. In this paper the benefits of routine close liaison between clinical haematologists and dental surgeons are emphasized; frequent attendance in the ward of a trained dental hygienist is of great value, and assists in the education of the attendant nursing staff.