Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis of the Tongue: A Clinical Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is commonly characterized by abnormal function and differentiation or proliferation of monocytes. In LCH, granulomatous lesions, including langerine- positive histocytes and inflammatory infiltrates, can occur at all tissues, particularly the bones, skin, lungs, and pituitary gland. Thirty nine-year-old male patient visited outpatient clinic with a mass on his tongue that had been presented one month prior. The initial size was 2×1.5 cm, but it gradually grew larger. The authors performed an incisional biopsy under local anesthesia, and the pathological diagnosis confirmed that LCH of the tongue. Several studies including bone marrow biopsy were performed to assess involvement of other organs. These tests show that only the tongue was involved in this case. The patient underwent further treatment with low-dose radiotherapy. We present this case of tongue LCH with a review of the literature.