Multisystem Langerhans cell histiocytosis presenting with parotid gland involvement in an adult: literature review.
A Wei, D Chen, S Yao et al.
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Case in brief
An adult woman presented with a painless, persistent parotid mass and was ultimately diagnosed with multisystem Langerhans cell histiocytosis involving risk organs. The report describes the initial presentation in a less commonly affected organ as a diagnostic challenge. Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a neoplastic disorder characterized by clonal proliferation of Langerhans cells; in adults, its clinical presentation is heterogeneous. The abstract does not specify the diagnostic tests, treatment, or clinical outcome.
What made this case unusual
The disease first presented as a persistent parotid mass, an uncommon site of initial presentation in this multisystem adult case.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
In an adult with a persistent parotid mass, consider that an unusual organ presentation may be the first sign of multisystem Langerhans cell histiocytosis; a comprehensive diagnostic assessment can help establish the extent of disease.