Eosinophilic granuloma

Eosinophilic granuloma is said to be the most benign disorder of the triad commonly known as histiocytosis X. There has been, and still is, confusion about the terminology describing this entity. This article reviews the literature on histiocytosis X, with particular emphasis on eosinophilic granuloma and its oral manifestations. The case of a 22-month-old male child with an eosinophilic granuloma of the right mandible is presented. The diagnostic and treatment methods are reviewed and discussed. During the 4 years that the case has been followed there has been progressive healing of the lesion, but other manifestations of the disease process and of the surgical treatment have become evident. The need for close dental as well as medical follow-up in cases involving the dental structures is stressed.