Question: What are the symptoms of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis ?
Answer: These and other signs and symptoms may be caused by LCH or by other conditions. Check with your doctor if you or your child have any of the following: Skin and nails LCH in infants may affect the skin only. In some cases, skin-only LCH may get worse over weeks or months and become a form called high-risk multisystem LCH. In infants, signs or symptoms of LCH that affects the skin may include: - Flaking of the scalp that may look like cradle cap. - Raised, brown or purple skin rash anywhere on the body. In children and adults, signs or symptoms of LCH that affects the skin and nails may include: - Flaking of the scalp that may look like dandruff. - Raised, red or brown, crusted rash in the groin area, abdomen, back, or chest, that may be itchy. - Bumps or ulcers on the scalp. - Ulcers behind the ears, under the breasts, or in the groin area. - Fingernails that fall off or have discolored grooves that run the length of the nail. Mouth Signs or symptoms of LCH that affects the mouth may include: - Swollen gums. - Sores on the roof of the mouth, inside the cheeks, or on the tongue or lips. - Teeth that become uneven. - Tooth loss. Bone Signs or symptoms of LCH that affects the bone may include: - Swelling or a lump over a bone, such as the skull, ribs, spine, thigh bone, upper arm bone, elbow, eye socket, or bones around the ear. - Pain where there is swelling or a lump over a bone. Children with LCH lesions in bones around the ears or eyes have a high risk for diabetes insipidus and other central nervous system disease. Lymph nodes and thymus Signs or symptoms of LCH that affects the lymph nodes or thymus may include: - Swollen lymph nodes. - Trouble breathing. - Superior vena cava syndrome. This can cause coughing, trouble breathing, and swelling of the face, neck, and upper arms. Endocrine system Signs or symptoms of LCH that affects the pituitary gland may include: - Diabetes insipidus. This can cause a strong thirst and frequent urination. - Slow growth. - Early or late puberty. - Being very overweight. Signs or symptoms of LCH that affects the thyroid may include: - Swollen thyroid gland. - Hypothyroidism. This can cause tiredness, lack of energy, being sensitive to cold, constipation, dry skin, thinning hair, memory problems, trouble concentrating, and depression. In infants, this can also cause a loss of appetite and choking on food. In children and adolescents, this can also cause behavior problems, weight gain, slow growth, and late puberty. - Trouble breathing. Central nervous system (CNS) Signs or symptoms of LCH that affects the CNS (brain and spinal cord) may include: - Loss of balance, uncoordinated body movements, and trouble walking. - Trouble speaking. - Trouble seeing. - Headaches. - Changes in behavior or personality. - Memory problems. These signs and symptoms may be caused by lesions in the CNS or by CNS neurodegenerative syndrome. Liver and spleen Signs or symptoms of LCH that affects the liver or spleen may include: - Swelling in the abdomen caused by a buildup of extra fluid. - Trouble breathing. - Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. - Itching. - Easy bruising or bleeding. - Feeling very tired. Lung Signs or symptoms of LCH that affects the lung may include: - Collapsed lung. This condition can cause chest pain or tightness, trouble breathing, feeling tired, and a bluish color to the skin. - Trouble breathing, especially in adults who smoke. - Dry cough. - Chest pain. Bone marrow Signs or symptoms of LCH that affects the bone marrow may include: - Easy bruising or bleeding. - Fever. - Frequent infections.