What is Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH)?
Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disorder that occurs when a child has too many of a certain cell type called Langerhans cells. These cells usually are in the skin and help fight infection and destroy foreign substances in the body. In LCH, extra Langerhans cells spread through the blood and build up in certain parts of the body, where they can damage tissue or form tumors.
In LCH, Langerhans cells typically accumulate in bones but can also accumulate in the skin, lymph nodes, liver, spleen, lung, or brain. Scientists do not agree on whether LCH is a type of cancer or a condition caused by a change in the immune system. However, recent studies by scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have demonstrated a mutant oncogene, BRAF V600E, in more than half of LCH biopsy samples. This suggests that LCH is a type of neoplastic disease (a disease grouping that includes benign, pre-cancerous, and cancerous growths).
LCH may occur at any age, but is most common in children under 10.
How Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s approaches Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Children and teens with LCH are treated at the Histiocytosis Program at Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, one of the top centers worldwide focused on histiocytosis. At the core of the treatment team are hematologists and oncologists who specialize in treating children with histiocytosis. Because many organ and body systems may be involved with the disease, a patient’s treatment team may also include dermatologists, pulmonologists, endocrinologists, gastroenterologists, neurologists, dentists, orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, radiologists, and radiation oncologists.
Learn more
Find in-depth information on Langerhans cell histiocytosis on the Dana-Farber/Boston Children's website, including details on LCH symptoms, treatment, research, and more.
Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis | Programs & Services
Programs
Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors Program
Program
The Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors Program cares for children and teens with benign and malignant tumors.
Dermatology Program
Program
The Dermatology Program provides care for children and adolescents with congenital and acquired disorders of the skin, nails, hair, and mucous membranes.
Hematologic Malignancy Center
Program
The Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Hematologic Malignancy Center treats children with hematologic malignancies, including leukemia and lymphoma.
Histiocytosis Program
Program
The Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Histiocytosis Program provides expert treatment for newly diagnosed or recurrent histiocytosis, which is a cancer-like condition.
Centers
Cancer and Blood Disorders Center
Center
The Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center is an integrated pediatric hematology and oncology program through Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children’s Hospital.
