Adult Langerhans cell histiocytosis limited to the skin.

BACKGROUND

The incidence of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is 4-5 per million in children with only 30% of this number having an adult onset. While dermatological manifestations occur in as many as 50% of cases, disease limited to the skin is uncommon among reported cases of adult LCH.

OBJECTIVES AND

METHODS

To present 3 new cases of adult LCH and a review of the literature of isolated cutaneous LCH in adults.

RESULTS

Three adults with scalp, vulvar and generalized LCH lesions had refractory responses to treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

LCH may present with unusual cutaneous manifestations limited to the skin in adults. Optimal treatment has not yet been determined.