JXG is considered a rare disease in itself, but is the most common type of non-Langerhans histiocytosis. The incidence of juvenile xanthogranuloma is estimated to be 1 per million in children, however it is probably underdiagnosed. Up to 10% of patients with neurofibromatosis type I may develop JXG.

Understanding the Context

A juvenile xanthogranuloma, or JXG, is a benign skin lump or bump caused by a collection of cells called histiocytes. These may be red, orange or tan at first, but over time may become more yellow in color. Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a rare type of histiocytic disorder that mostly occurs in children (average age 2 years), but can rarely occur in adults as well, in which case it is called adult xanthogranuloma (AXG). JXG presents in the first two years of life as a solitary, reddish or yellowish skin papule or nodule, most often on the head, neck, or upper trunk.

Key Insights

Extracutaneous or systemic forms are exceedingly rare and can be associated with considerable morbidity. An overview of JXG will be presented here. Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis and is fairly common, often affecting infants and young children. Cutaneous lesions usually resolve spontaneously and most patients have an unremarkable course. JXG is a benign idiopathic cutaneous granulomatous tumor and the most common form of non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis (non-LHC).

Final Thoughts

[3] The lesions appear as orange-red macules or papules and are usually located on the face, neck, and upper trunk. A juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a benign (non-cancerous) skin bump. JXGs can appear anywhere on the skin and at any age but most often develop within a child’s first years of life. Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a rare benign histiocytic proliferation that develops in infants and young children. JXG is the most common form of non-Langerhans’ cell histiocytoses. It is characterized by the presence of Touton giant cells.