[Langerhans cell histiocytosis of the tonsil]

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (histiocytosis X) of the tonsil is a rare disorder of histiocytic proliferation with a broad spectrum of clinical symptoms. We report on a case of a solitary histiocytosis of a unilateral tonsillar palatine. To exclude a mesenchymal tumour a 32-year old male with a hyperplasia of the left tonsil underwent surgery. The histopathological examination revealed a solitary infiltration of Langerhans cells. We found a morphologically remarkable intraepithelial hyperplasia of Langerhans cells (S-100 protein positive) on contrast to the opposite side. The CT scans of the neck, thorax, abdomen and pelvis and the bone marrow puncture could not detect any further manifestation of the disease. Therefore, we refrained from systemic therapy. Up to now the patient is without any relapse of the disease for a period of 16 months.