Langerhan's Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disorder that occurs in about one in 200,000 children and adults each year. The disease causes an abnormally high level of histiocyte cells, which are produced in bone marrow. Histiocyte cells help fight bacteria and parasites and help with the production of antibodies.
Ordinarily, histiocyte cells are found in the skin, liver, lung, stomach, lymphatic glands, spleen, bones and parts of the brain. In histiocytosis, these cells reproduce excessively. Although the disease technically is not cancer, it behaves like cancer in its most serious form and is treated by cancer specialists. Treatments include medication, chemotherapy and sometimes radiation.
The disease also is known as Histiocytosis-X, Eosinophilic granuloma, Hand-Schuller-Christian syndrome and Letterer-Siwe disease.
Most cases of histiocytosis occur in children from birth to age 15, with the incidence peaking between 5 to 10 years of age. In children, 80 percent of the cases affect the bones. For example, the skull often is affected, developing a "punched-out" appearance that can be detected in a bone X-ray.
Children over 5 years old often experience only bone involvement, though younger children may be affected in many parts of the body simultaneously. If only one organ is affected, less intense treatment is required.
Other rare histiocytic diseases that affect children include hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and familial lymphohistiocytosis, both which may be triggered by viral infections. Malignant histiocytosis is a rare form of leukemia in children.
Among children, the most common symptoms of histiocytosis are:
Your child's doctor may order one or more of the following tests to aid in the diagnosis of histiocytosis.
Histiocytosis is often treated with corticosteroids, which are anti-inflammatory drugs. Your child may be given other medications, including:
In some cases, the disease regresses on its own. In other cases, radiation therapy and chemotherapy have been effective in treating the disease.
Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital.
Last updated
June 17, 2010
Oncology Clinic
400 Parnassus Ave., Suite 101
San Francisco, CA 94143
Phone: (415) 476-3831
Fax: (415) 502-4372
Appointment information
Orthopedic Oncology
1600 Divisadero St., Fourth Floor
San Francisco, CA 94115
Phone: (415) 885-3800
Fax: (415) 885-3802
Appointment information
Treatment Center
400 Parnassus Ave., Suite A101
San Francisco, CA 94143-0134
Phone: (415) 353-2584
Fax: (415) 353-2600
Appointment information