What is meant by histiocytosis?
Histiocytosis is a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by the accumulation and / or proliferation of mononuclear phagocytes of bone marrow origin
Histiocytosis also known as Langerhan cells histiocytosis or histiocytosis X are group of disorders associated with abnormal increase in number of histiocytes (macrophages, dendritic cells and monocytes). The condition can affect people of any age but is more common in children. Symptoms: The condition presents with rash on scalp, ear discharge, fever, weight loss, jaundice, vomiting, short stature, delayed puberty, mental deterioration, dizziness, seizures, breathlessness, cough and pneumothorax. Diagnosis: -Skin or bone biopsy -X-ray of bone, skull: Punched-out lesions -CXR: diffuse interstitial shadows - Blood tests Treatment: Treatment depends on the stage and extent of disease. Chemotherapy and steroids are used to suppress immune responses Radiation therapy Limited surgery for bone lesions