gms | German Medical Science

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare proliferative disorder of Langerhans cells of unknown etiology [1], [2]. It can involve multiple organ systems with varying presentations thus creating diagnostic dilemmas. The most frequently involved organs include bone, skin and lungs [2], [3]. Isolated oral lesions occur in about 5% of cases and are usually due to underlying bone involvement. Exclusive mucosal involvement in adults has rarely been reported with only a handful cases in literature [4], [5], [6], [7].

A 45-year-old male presented with an ulcer on the hard palate. Physical examination revealed an area of ulceration measuring 3x2 cm with ill-defined margins. X-ray did not show any bony lesion. On CT scan, no obvious mass lesion was observed in palate. Trucut biopsy from the site was reported elsewhere as poorly differentiated carcinoma, which was followed by right inferior maxillectomy. Gross examination of the specimen received showed an indurated area measuring 2.5x1.2x0.8 cm on the hard palate. Extensive sampling of this area revealed an ill-defined nodular lesion beneath the epithelium composed of sheets of large, polygonal cells with moderate eosinophilic cytoplasm and reniform nuclei exhibiting grooves (Figure 1 [Fig. 1]). These were admixed with lymphoid aggregates, plasma cells, eosinophils and neutrophils. On immunohistochemistry the large cells were diffusely positive for CD1a, S100, CD68 and negative for LCA, EMA, cytokeratin (Figure 2 [Fig. 2]). Sections from the underlying bone were unremarkable. Subsequent to the diagnosis, involvement of other systems was ruled out. The final diagnosis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis of the oral mucosa was rendered. Currently the patient is disease-free after a two year follow-up.

First described by Lichenstein in 1953, LCH is a disease of unknown cause [8]. Initially thought to be reactive, it has now evolved in its classification from a primary immune dysregulatory disorder to a dendritic cell neoplasm with an immune-inflammatory component. The disease encompasses a broad spectrum ranging from uni-focal organ manifestation with an excellent prognosis up to disseminated, progressive multi-organ involvement with a severe course and grim prognosis [2], [3], [6]. Three subtypes include eosinophilic granuloma, Letterer–Siwe disease, and Hand–Schüller–Christian disease according to solitary or multiple organ involvement [9].

LCH is predominantly a disease of childhood, incidence in adults being 10–15 per millions persons per year [3]. The organs most commonly involved in adults are the lungs, skeleton, and skin. Isolated oral lesions occur in about 5% of cases and are usually due to underlying bone involvement [3], [4], [6]. In oral soft tissue, the sites commonly involved are the gingiva followed by the maxillary and the hard palate [6]. Clinical presentation may mimic other conditions and can be in the form of hypermobile teeth, gingival hypertrophy, or ulcers of the mucosa, tongue, or lips as well as submucous nodules or leukoplakia [5], [9]. A complaint of oral ulcer in an elderly male may frequently raise the suspicion of malignancy and hence create a pitfall as was seen in the present case.

Morphological examination in the present case revealed large polygonal cells in the subepithelium indicating a poorly differentiated tumor. However, close scrutiny showed nuclear grooves bringing histiocytic disorder in the differentials. A dense non-specific inflammatory infiltrate also hindered recognition of these tumor cells. According to The Working Group of the Histiocyte Society a definitive LCH diagnosis can be set when, in addition to these light microscopy features, Birbeck granules can be detected in lesional cells by electron microscopy, and/or a positive staining for CD1a antigen can be obtained [1], [2], [3]. Subsequently, immuoreactivity for S100 and CD1a in the tumor cellsboth in the biopsy and excised specimen confirmed the diagnosis of LCH.

Various treatment modalities for LCH have been proposed, including close observation, surgical curettage, local injection of corticosteroids, low-dose radiotherapy, high-dose systemic corticosteroids, chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation and antibody therapy for resistant cases [4]. Recent studies documenting mutations in BRAF and MAP2K1 genes could revolutionize the prevalent therapeutic regimens and pave way for targeted therapy in LCH, resulting in a better prognosis [2]. In our case however, the patient underwent inferior maxillectomy on the basis of biopsy-proven squamous cell carcinoma. Presently, the patient is on close follow up and has been doing well for the past two years.

Exclusive mucosal involvement without bone involvement by LCH, as in our case, is a rarity and often leads to delay in diagnosis. A clinical presentation of palatal ulcer in an elderly male often brings a differential diagnosis of malignancy in mind. However, careful search for classical Langerhans cells showing reniform nuclei with grooves and immunostaining for S100 and CD1a helps in reaching the final diagnosis. Our case reminds one to include LCH in the differential diagnosis of palate ulcers even in elderly patients.Also, since oral lesions may be the initial manifestations of a systemic involvement, histopathologic examination of these lesions becomes the cornerstone for further therapy and management.

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.