Nonlipidized juvenile xanthogranuloma: an unusual variant with a potential diagnostic pitfall

Abstract

Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a histiocytic inflammatory disorder that can present different histologic patterns. Classic JXG consists of sheets of foamy histiocytes and numerous multinucleated Touton giant cells. Nonlipidized JXG (NJXG) is one of the unusual variants of JXG, consisting of a diffuse monomorphic infiltrate of mononuclear histiocytes, suggesting an aggressive or malignant tumor due the high mitotic index. However, NJXG behaves clinically as classic JXG. We present an unusual case of a 6-year-old boy who presented an exophytic ulcerated nodule on the lower lip diagnosed as NJXG. The boy is currently well without recurrence three years after surgical excision.