Langerhans' cell histiocytosis in childhood: management of head and neck manifestations

Abstract

The authors carried out a retrospective analysis of 131 cases of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis treated at two centers over a 30-year period. All those with head and neck manifestations have been reviewed with particular reference to management and outcome. The role of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery is discussed, and we present our results of the successful introduction of topical nitrogen mustard (Mustine) ear drops for meatal skin involvement. During the period of the study our modus operandi has evolved from an aggressive medical and surgical approach, favored early in the series, to our present more conservative approach, with an attendant reduction in morbidity.