What is LCH in blood test?
Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disorder that causes over-production of histiocytes, a type of immune cell (infection-fighting cell) that is present within body tissues. Histiocytosis can lead to tumor formation and organ damage.
What is the purpose of LCH?
LCH cells are a type of dendritic cell that normally helps the body fight infection. Sometimes mutations (changes) develop in genes that control how dendritic cells function.
What is the full form of LCH?
Listen. Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a disorder that primarily affects children, but is also found in adults of all ages. People with LCH produce too many Langerhans cells or histiocytes, a form of white blood cell found in healthy people that is supposed to protect the body from infection.
Are you born with LCH?
LCH symptoms can range from mild to more serious. Some people are born with it, and the disease eventually goes away on its own. But others have a severe and long-lasting type that affects multiple parts of the body.
How are the signs and symptoms of LCH determined?
The signs and symptoms of LCH depend on where it is in the body. Tests that examine the organs and body systems where LCH may occur are used to detect (find) and diagnose LCH. Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.
How does Langerhans cell histiocytosis ( LCH ) work?
Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare cancer that begins in LCH cells. LCH cells are a type of dendritic cell which fights infection. Sometimes there are mutations (changes) in LCH cells as they form. These include mutations of the BRAF, MAP2K1, RAS and ARAF genes. These changes may make the LCH cells grow and multiply quickly.
What are the treatment options for childhood LCH?
Treatment of childhood LCH lesions of the spine or thigh bone may include: 1 Observation. 2 Low-dose radiation therapy. 3 Chemotherapy, for lesions that spread from the spine into nearby tissue. 4 Surgery to strengthen the weakened bone by bracing or fusing the bones together.
How does LCH affect the central nervous system?
Pain where there is swelling or a lump over a bone. Children with LCH lesions in bones around the ears or eyes have a high risk of diabetes insipidus and other central nervous system diseases.