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CD-ROM Today 1996 January
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01366.txt
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1994-01-17
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$Unique_ID{BRK01366}
$Pretitle{Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases}
$Title{What is Hand-Schuller-Christian Disease?}
$Subject{hand-schuller-christian biopsy ill defined symptoms rare diseases
hand schuller christian disease lumps arms arm sore bumps hsc histiocytosis x
histiocytes bone marrow white blood cell cells lymphadenopathy swollen glands
biopsies symptom lump bump histiocyte}
$Volume{N-7}
$Log{
Aspiration Biopsy*0001905.scf
Lymphocyte (White) Blood Cells*0002105.scf
Immune Cell Production Sites I*0004501.scf}
Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
What is Hand-Schuller-Christian Disease?
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QUESTION: I have what I believe to be an unusual problem. At least I have
never heard of it before and wonder if its familiar to you. I get small lumps
usually in my arms that are quite sore. My doctor feels I need a biopsy. He
mentioned a disease he feels I may have (something-Christian?) Can you
explain this to me? Do I need the biopsy?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANSWER: When "bumps" like yours become a problem, the only sure way of making
a diagnosis is to take a biopsy. By taking a small sample of the lump, and
producing microscopic slides for examination, a pathologist can identify the
types of cells and narrow down the diagnosis to one or two possibilities.
"Hand-Schuller-Christian Disease (HSC)" is also known as "Histiocytosis X,"
for the bumps in this disease turn out to be composed of masses of
histiocytes. These cells originate in the marrow, normally form a type of
white blood cell, but in this condition may be found growing in many organs
including the lungs and bone and is associated with lymphadenopathy (swollen
glands) often felt as bumps. No cause has yet been discovered that explains
this condition. However, this disease is more common in children and young
adults, and is less commonly seen in adults, and may not be the diagnosis in
your case. That is why a biopsy in your situation is so essential, for a
clear diagnosis is needed upon which to base the treatment and therapy. An
interesting point to note; patients with HSC Disease sometimes recover
spontaneously, without any treatment.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.