LANGERHANS CELL HISTIOCYTOSIS OF THE JAWS IN A PEDIATRIC PATIENT: A CASE REPORT.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare, benign but locally destructive neoplasm that primarily affects the pediatric population. It can manifest as a single osseous lesion or involve multiple organs, leading to dysfunction. The head and neck region is frequently affected, accounting for over half of the cases. We present the case of a 4-year-old male patient who was referred for a diagnosis of lesions in both the posterior maxilla and mandible. Intraoral examination revealed severely mobile teeth with erythematous adjacent gingiva, significant biofilm and calculus accumulation, and a fetid odor. The patient also had facial and lower right eyelid swelling and experienced episodes of draining purulent bloody discharge. Multiple osteolytic lesions were evident in imaging exams. An incisional biopsy was performed, and the histopathological and immunohistochemical features confirmed the diagnosis of LCH. While LCH is a rare neoplasm, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of periodontitis-like lesions and loose teeth in pediatric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]