Which physical finding is most common in Acute Monocytic Leukemia?

Acute Monocytic Leukemia (AML-M5) is characterized by the proliferation of monocytic cells in the bone marrow and peripheral blood. One of the hallmark physical findings associated with this type of leukemia is gum infiltration. This occurs due to the accumulation of leukemic cells in the gums, which can lead to swelling, inflammation, and bleeding in the oral cavity. Patients may present with gingival hyperplasia, making this finding a distinctive feature in the diagnosis of acute monocytic leukemia.

Although skin rashes, petechiae, and swollen lymph nodes can be seen in various leukemias, they are not specific to acute monocytic leukemia. Skin rashes may arise from multiple causes and are not a defining characteristic of this subtype. Petechiae, representing thrombocytopenia, can occur in many forms of leukemia due to bone marrow involvement but are not exclusive to monocytic leukemia. Swollen lymph nodes result from lymphoproliferative disorders as well, yet they manifest more prominently in lymphoid leukemias rather than in acute monocytic leukemia. Thus, gum infiltration stands out as the most common and characteristic physical finding in acute monocytic leukemia.