Lymphoepithelial cyst of the pancreas: A case report / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Lymphoepithelial cysts of the pancreas, which are lined by squamous epithelium and surrounded by mature lymphoid tissue, represent a rare clinicopathologic entity of cystic lesions of the pancreas and true pancreatic cysts. Here, we report a case of lymphoepithelial cyst of the pancreas and a review of the related Korean literature. A 58-year-old man presented to our hospital with an asymptomatic pancreatic mass and no remarkable medical history except hypertension. Physical examination and laboratory analyses showed no abnormalities. Ultrasonography (US) revealed a cystic lesion with heterogeneous internal echo within the body of the pancreas, and computed tomography (CT) revealed a low-density lesion (2.3*.5 cm) with well-defined margins and lobulating contour. To further characterize the mass, a biopsy was collected via endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration. Histological examination revealed fibrous tissue and epithelial cells, but was insufficient for a definitive diagnosis. Laparotomy revealed that the mass was composed of keratinizing squamous epithelial cells surrounded by lymphoid tissue, thereby confirming the diagnosis of lymphoepithelial cyst of the pancreas