Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis of Thyroid Gland in a Child: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare neoplastic disease of dendritic cells with indefiniteetiology and pathogenesis.1 The incidence rate of the disease is 4.0–5.4 per 1 million individuals,and the mortality rate is about 3% in adults.2,3 LCH is often encountered in pediatric patientsand can be observed as single-organ involvement or multisystemic disease. The disease affectsalmost every organ in the body, including bone, skin, lung, lymph nodes, hypothalamopituitaryaxis, liver, spleen, and other sites.2,4 Thyroid involvement in LCH is rare and usually seen inadults.5 When it occurs in children, it is often accompanied by multisystemic involvement.6,7Because of its rarity, LCH with involvement of the thyroid gland can cause delays in diagnosisand misdiagnosis.