Authoritative information and practical advice from the nation's cancer experts about Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) - Histiocytosis X, Eosinophilic Granuloma, Abt-Letterer-Siwe, Hand-Schuller-Christian, Diffuse Reticuloendotheliosis. Related conditions discussed include Erdheim-Chester disease, juvenile xanthogranuloma, Rosai-Dorfman Disease, hemophaocytic lymphohistiocytosis, histiocytic sarcoma, monocytic leukemia, and myleomonocytic leukemia. Starting with the basics, and advancing to detailed patient-oriented and physician-quality information, this comprehensive compilation gives empowered patients, families, caregivers, nurses, and physicians the information they need to understand the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. In addition to disease-specific information, this ebook includes a glossary and information on the late effects of treatment for childhood cancer and pediatric supportive care. The histiocytic diseases in children and adults include three major classes of disorders of which only one, Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), a dendritic cell disorder, is covered as a childhood disease. Others in this category are Erdheim-Chester disease (primarily found in adults) and juvenile xanthogranuloma (diagnosed in children and adults). Disorders of the macrophage/monocytoid lineages include Rosai Dorfman disease and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Malignant disorders include malignant histiocytosis (histiocytic sarcoma) and the monocytic or myelomonocytic leukemias.

LCH results from the proliferation of immunophenotypically and functionally immature, morphologically rounded Langerhans cells along with eosinophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, and commonly, multinucleated giant cells. Controversy exists regarding whether the clonal proliferation is sufficient to consider this a neoplasm or whether the immunologic abnormalities observed in LCH are the cause of the clonal proliferation of lesional Langerhans cells. In either case, the primary treatment is with chemotherapeutic agents. Some of the chemotherapy drugs used also have immunomodulatory activity.

Extensive supplements, with over forty chapters gathered from our Cancer Toolkit series and other reports, cover a broad range of cancer and health care topics useful to cancer patients. This edition includes our exclusive Guide to Leading Medical Websites with updated links to 81 of the best sites for medical information, which let you quickly check for updates from the government and the best commercial portals, news sites, reference/textbook/non-commercial portals, and health organizations. Supplemental coverage includes: Clinical Trials Background Information, Workbook; In-Depth Program; Clinical Trials at NIH; How To Find A Cancer Treatment Trial; Taking Part in Cancer Treatment Research Studies; Access to Investigational Drugs; Taking Time: Support for People with Cancer; Facing Forward - Life After Cancer Treatment; When Someone You Love Is Being Treated For Cancer; Living Beyond Cancer: Finding a New Balance; Caring for the Caregiver; Young People With Cancer, A Handbook For Parents; When Cancer Returns; When Someone You Love Has Advanced Cancer / Support for Caregivers; Chemotherapy; Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects; Follow-up Care After Cancer Treatment.

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