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[Langerhans cell histiocytosis and breast]
Cátia Rodrigues1, Paulo Santos, Dora Simões
1Departamento de Obstetrícia, Ginecologia e Medicina da Reprodução, Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisbon, Portugal.
Acta Medica Portuguesa
|August 4, 2012
Summary
Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disorder that can affect any organ. This case highlights LCH presenting as an isolated breast mass in a 32-year-old woman, with no other organ involvement.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare clonal proliferative disorder of Langerhans cells.
- It is characterized by diverse clinical presentations and can affect virtually any organ system.
- While often presenting in children, LCH can occur in adults, sometimes with unusual manifestations.
Observation:
- A 32-year-old woman presented with an asymptomatic palpable breast mass.
- The patient underwent an excisional biopsy for diagnostic purposes.
- Initial clinical presentation suggested a localized breast abnormality.
Findings:
- Histopathological examination of the breast mass revealed characteristic features of Langerhans cell histiocytosis.
- Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the presence of Langerhans cells.
- Crucially, no evidence of multisystemic involvement was detected in this patient.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering LCH in the differential diagnosis of breast masses, even in adults.
- Isolated Langerhans cell histiocytosis in the breast is a rare but possible presentation.
- Further investigation is warranted to understand the specific behavior and management of LCH limited to the breast.