Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis in Children and Adults - An Interdisciplinary Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge.

Langerhanscell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare malignant disease, which commonly occurs during childhood and adolescence, but may also be seen in adult patients. Although LCH lesions are mostly found in bones, skin and the pituitary gland, the disease may affect almost each organ and cause a variety of symptoms. There are differences between pediatric and adult patients regarding diagnostics and therapy. Better insights in the pathophysiology of the disease resulted in the development of new therapeutic approaches such as the use of RAF or MAP-Kinase inhibitors and may help to guide therapy. Although each patient with LCH should be referred to a pediatric or internal oncologist, long-term interdisciplinary care is needed for many patients.