Langerhans cell histiocytosis of the thyroid: a report of two cases and review of the literature.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a monoclonal disease of histiocytes that can involve many or very few organ systems. It is a relatively benign disorder with a 3% mortality in adults. LCH rarely involves the thyroid gland. We report two cases, both presenting in males with a goiter. Both patients were treated with subtotal thyroidectomy. The first patient also received radiotherapy to his thyroid bed and scalp. We summarize the prior reported cases of LCH involving the thyroid and review the current treatment modalities used for LCH.