Langerhans' Cell Histiocytosis Diagnosed Through Periodontal Lesions: A Case Report

Background: Langerhans' cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disorder in which a neoplastic proliferation of cells similar to the Langerhans' cell of the epidermis is observed. The disease may affect different organs as solitary or multiple lesions with a complete dissemination in different organs such as the bone (jaws), lung, hypothalamus, skin and mucous membranes, lymph nodes, liver, and other tissues. Although LCH is considered a childhood or juvenile disease, the diagnosis is often made in adults, and in many cases, a juvenile form progresses into adult life. Hand‐Schuller‐Christian disease (HSCD) is an LCH form in which the typical lesions involve the cranial bones, the eyes, and the pituitary gland.Methods: This article describes a case of a patient diagnosed, through periodontal lesions and diabetes insipidus, as having Langerhans' cell histiocytosis.Conclusion: As far as LCH lesions appearing in periodontal tissues, the periodontist should be involved in the detection of oral lesions. J Periodontol 2002;73:1528‐1533.