A case of multifocal proliferations of histiocytic cells containing Langerhans' cell granules

A 61-year-old male was found to have multiple cutaneous nodules, four subcutaneous tumors, and diffuse small nodular lesions of both lungs. The biopsy specimen of the skin lesions revealed a proliferation of histiocytic cells containing Langerhans' cell granules (Birbeck granules). Chemotherapy including vincristine, cyclophosphamide (endoxan), 6-mercaptopurine, and prednisolone (VEMP) for ten weeks improved the skin lesions, some of which disappeared. After resection of all the remaining skin lesions, there was no recurrence. This case seems to be a special type of eosinophilic granuloma or multicentric reticulohistiocytosis.