Multiple Oral Manifestations in a Patient With Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease: A Case Report

Cureus. 2024 Sep 26;16(9):e70233. doi: 10.7759/cureus.70233. eCollection 2024 Sep.

Abstract

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the standard treatment for hematopoietic malignancies and certain solid tumors; however, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remains a significant complication. Chronic GVHD (cGVHD), which occurs more than 100 days post-transplant, can lead to various oral manifestations that necessitate multidisciplinary management to prevent disease progression and enhance the quality of life. We present the case of a 60-year-old woman who developed dry mouth, oral pain, a brown-yellow tongue, and dental caries seven years after receiving HLA-matched unrelated donor HSCT. Examination revealed a brown-yellow hairy tongue, extensive tooth decay, reduced saliva production, and oral leukoplakia with mild epithelial hyperplasia, along with dysfunction of the salivary and lacrimal glands. Following appropriate treatment, the patient's symptoms resolved without recurrence at the six-month follow-up. This case highlights the importance of professional diagnosis, timely interventions, and regular monitoring in managing oral cGVHD to achieve a favorable prognosis.

Keywords: early intervention; leukoplakia; oral cancer; oral chronic graft-versus-host disease; salivary dysfunction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports