Abstract
Langerhans cell histiocytosis （LCH） is a rare disease characterized by the monoclonal proliferation of Langerhans cells that invade the bones, lungs, lymph nodes, and central nervous system. The pathophysiology of LCH is variable. It commonly occurs in children, with rare onset in the elderly. Jawbone involvement in LCH is rarely observed. We report the case of an elderly patient diagnosed with LCH due to an intractable painful mass in the maxillary gingiva. A 68-year-old male presented with a chief complaint of left maxillary gingival pain. He had a history of diabetes insipidus, was diagnosed with chronic periodontitis, and was treated for five months without improvement. At the first visit, a left-sided maxillary gingival mass with swelling and pain was observed. Panoramic radiography revealed significant bone resorption at the site of the gingival mass and LCH was diagnosed after biopsy. After consultation with an oncologist, the maxillary mass was resected, and the patient’s pain resolved with no evidence of early recurrence. Computed tomography （CT） showed multiple penetrating images in the skull; however, the patient had no other clinical symptoms. Follow-up was performed for ten months after resection, and there was no recurrence or appearance of new lesions.
