Resolution of eosinophilic granuloma after minimal intervention. Case report and review of literature.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), previously known as histiocytosis X, is a rare, proliferative disorder in which the accumulation of pathologic Langerhans cells leads to local tissue infiltration and destruction. The incidence of LCH is estimated to be one case per 200,000 children per year. The role of the dentist is important in early and accurate evaluation, staging and diagnosis of LCH, because it may mimic more common diseases, such as juvenile periodontitis and osteomyelitis. There are multiple treatment options, but the response is unpredictable. The aim of this paper is to give a short, introductory overview on current diagnostic and treatment strategies for LCH in the oral and maxillofacial region and to present a case of LCH that mimicked juvenile periodontitis and was resolved following extraction of affected teeth. The history, radiological appearance, differential diagnosis, histopathology and treatment options for the patient are discussed.