A case of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis of the mandibular condyle

• Published in: Japanese Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Vol. 54; no. 4; pp. 271 - 275
• Main Authors: IKEHATA, Masahiro, MATSUDA, Mitsuyoshi, YOSHIDA, Masatsugu, FUJIMORI, Masaki, SHIMAZU, Shinji, TANI, Kazutoshi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japanese Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons 2008
• Subjects: Langerhans cell; Langerhans' cell histiocytosis; mandibular condyle
• ISSN: 0021-5163; 2186-1579
• DOI: 10.5794/jjoms.54.271

This report describes a 42-year-old man with Langerhans' cell histiocytosis of the mandibular condyle. The patient was referred to our hospital in 2005 for a further evaluation of pain in the left temporomandibular joint (TMJ) on mouth opening. This symptom was noted by his general practitioner. The patient was prescribed an analgesic treatment because a temporomandibular disorder was suspected on the basis of his symptoms at presentation. However, the treatment had no effect on his symptoms. Computed tomography a month after presentation showed a region of bone resorption in the left mandibular condyle. Fine needle aspiration biopsy did not lead to a diagnosis. Subsequently, open biopsy yielded a diagnosis of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis. Two years two months after presentation, there is no evidence of recurrence.