Oral ulcers in hematological malignancy patients undergoing chemotherapy: is it chemotherapy or neutropenia?: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy can cause oral complications either directly, by inducing mucosal degeneration, or indirectly, through myelosuppression leading to neutropenia. Neutropenia, a common side effect, is often associated with multiple oral ulcers. CASE PRESENTATION: A 39-year-old Arabic Syrian man with acute myelogenous leukemia developed neutropenia following his initial chemotherapy course, resulting in oral ulcers. A complete blood count confirmed chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, and the clinical presentation supported the diagnosis of neutropenic ulcers. The patient's chemotherapy regimen was temporarily halted, and a topical corticosteroid paste containing triamcinolone acetonide was applied three times daily for 7 days. This treatment led to significant regression of the ulcers. The patient provided written informed consent after receiving a detailed explanation of the study's objectives, procedures, and privacy considerations. CONCLUSION: Topical corticosteroid treatment effectively promoted significant regression of neutropenic ulcers in this case.