Navigating the Unknown: A Surgical Perspective on Thoracic ALK-Positive Histiocytosis With Literature Review

Abstract

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive histiocytosis (APH) is a rare disorder characterized by the accumulation of cells derived from monocyte-macrophage-dendritic cells.Thoracic APH is incredibly unusual and thus creates a diagnostic challenge.In this study, we report a case of extrapulmonary APH that was managed with mass excision, with no further treatment.Moreover, we reviewed previously published relevant adult ALK-positive histiocytosis cases, their primary management, and the disease progression.