histiocytosis X
The definitions used in this glossary of terminology either have been provided by the authors of the articles, or have been extracted wholly or in part, or paraphrased from the following sources: The American Medical Association Encyclopedia of Medicine, Charles B. Clayman, MD, Medical Editor, Random House, New York, 1989; Biotechnology from A to Z, 2d Edition, William Bains, Oxford University Press, New York, New York, 2002; A Dictionary of Genetics, 6th Edition, Robert C. King and William D. Stansfield, Oxford University Press, New York, New York, 2002; Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary, 29th and 30th Editions, W. B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia, 2000, 2003; Genes VII, Benjamin Lewin, Oxford University Press, New York, New York, 2000; The Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders, Volumes I and II, Stacey L. Blachford, Ed., Thomson Learning, New York, New York, 2002; The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, Inc., Springfield, Massachusetts, 1997; Molecular Biology of the Cell, 3rd Edition, Bruce Alberts, et al., Garland Publishing, 1994; The Random House Dictionary of the English Language, Unabridged Edition, 1966; Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, 1991.
DEFINITION:
- histiocytosis X
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A rare childhood disease in which there is an overgrowth of a type of tissue cell called a histiocyte. The cause is unknown, but it probably results from a disturbance of the immune system.
In the mildest form of the disease, rapid cell growth occurs in one bone only, usually affecting the skull, clavicle, or a rib or vertebra, causing swelling and pain. The chances of recovery are good in these cases.
The most severe, and least common, form of the disease affects infants. This form of the disease behaves like advanced leukemia, leading rapidly to death.
Used in 1 Article abstract
Used in 1 Article abstract