Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Arising from the Mandible as Diagnosed by US-guided Core Biopsy

ABSTRACT

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a clonal proliferative disorder of Langerhans cells. Although LCH is not considered a malignant disease, its appearance on radiographs may be similar to that of a malignant tumor. The diagnosis of LCH is usually made by a soft tissue biopsy, or by bone marrow aspiration or curettage. We present a patient with a mandibular mass confirmed to be LCH by US-guided core needle biopsy, and present a strategy for diagnosing localized LCH of the bone based on the usefulness and reliability of the percutaneous biopsy.