How is Langerhans cell histiocytosis(LCH) treated

Condition analysis:
Langerhans cell histiocytosis (also called histiocytosis X) is a rare disorder that primarily affects children. This disorder is characterized by an abnormal increase in certain immune cells called histiocyte cells. Histiocyte cells are a form of white blood cells that help the immune system destroy foreign materials and fight infection. The extra immune cells produced by this condition may form tumors, which can affect parts of the body like the bones and possibly spread to other areas.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis historically was thought of as a cancer-like condition, but more recently researchers have begun to consider it an autoimmune phenomenon in which immune cells begin to overproduce and attack the body instead of fighting infection. In most cases it is not known why the disorder appears, although there may be a genetic link. However, it is not contagious; people with Langerhans cell histiocytosis cannot spread the disorder to others.

Most cases affect children between 1 and 15 years old, with the majority of new cases in children between 5 and 10. About 1 in 200,000 people get Langerhans cell histiocytosis each year.

Instructions:
How is Langerhans cell histiocytosis treated? Your child's chance of recovery (prognosis) and choice of treatment will depend on the stage of your child's disease (whether it is just in the bones, called localized disease, or has spread to other places, called disseminated disease). It will also depend on how the cells look under a microscope, your child's general state of health, and his or her age.

This condition is treated with steroids, which suppress immune function. Depending of the extent of disease, children may need further treatment including chemotherapy drugs, small doses of radiation therapy, or surgery.