A diagnosis of LCH is usually made following a biopsy and microscopic examination of the affected tissue.  To determine the extent of the disease and subsequent treatment plan, several other tests may be done.  These include blood tests, x-rays of the chest, bones (skeletal survey), CT scans, and often an MRI of the brain.  Sometimes a biopsy is performed of the liver or bone marrow.

Treatment, if any, depends upon the individual patient.  In some cases the disease will regress without any treatment at all.  In others, radiation therapy or chemotherapy will be prescribed depending on the extent of the disease.  Treatment is planned after thorough evaluation of the patient to determine the extent of involvement.  The goal of an overall treatment plan is to use as little treatment as possible to keep the disease under control and allow it to heal by itself.