TriangleFOR PATIENTS · SOURCE READING
Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.
Source: Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: June 6, 2024 · Captured 2026-09-09.
Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.
LCH in organs such as the skin, bones, lymph nodes, or pituitary gland usually gets better with treatment and is called "low-risk." LCH in the spleen, liver, or bone marrow is harder to treat and is called "high-risk." Children with LCH in high-risk organs and the gastrointestinal tract have a greater risk of not responding to treatment than patients with high-risk LCH and no disease in the gastrointestinal tract. High-risk LCH is usually seen in children younger than 2 years.
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The prognosis and treatment options depend on the following:
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Which organs or body systems are affected by LCH.
How many organs or body systems the LCH affects.
Whether LCH is found in the liver, spleen, bone marrow, or certain bones in the skull.
How quickly LCH responds to initial treatment.
Whether there are certain mutations in the BRAF gene.
Whether LCH has just been diagnosed or has come back (recurred).
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In infants up to 1 year of age, LCH may go away without treatment.
Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice