Which condition may present with high WBC count, lymphadenopathy, and painful gingiva?

• A. Normal infection
• B. Anemia
• C. Leukemia
• D. Periodontitis

Answer: (C)

The presence of a high white blood cell (WBC) count, lymphadenopathy, and painful gingiva is indicative of leukemia, which is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. In leukemia, there is an uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal white blood cells, which explains the elevated WBC count. These abnormal cells can infiltrate various tissues, including lymph nodes, leading to lymphadenopathy as the body attempts to fight off what it recognizes as an infection or disorder.

Painful gingiva can occur due to several factors associated with leukemia, such as a decrease in normal immune function, increased susceptibility to infections, and oral mucosal changes that accompany hematological malignancies. The combination of these symptoms strongly points to leukemia rather than other conditions listed.

Normal infections typically do not present with such significant systemic findings and would more likely result in a more moderate elevation of WBC count without the abnormal features consistent with leukemia, such as severe lymphadenopathy and painful gingiva. Anemia primarily describes a deficiency in red blood cells or hemoglobin and does not typically present with the systemic features of leukemic processes. Periodontitis, while it can cause gum pain and inflammation, does not explain the significantly elevated WBC count or lymphadenopathy