Background: The incidence of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is 4-5 per million in children with only 30% of this number having an adult onset. While dermatological manifestations occur in as many as 50% of cases, disease limited to the skin is uncommon among reported cases of adult LCH.
Objectives and methods: To present 3 new cases of adult LCH and a review of the literature of isolated cutaneous LCH in adults.
Results: Three adults with scalp, vulvar and generalized LCH lesions had refractory responses to treatment.
Conclusions: LCH may present with unusual cutaneous manifestations limited to the skin in adults. Optimal treatment has not yet been determined.
Copyright 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel