A Case of a Lymphoepithelial Cyst of the Pancreas / 대한소화기내시경학회지

ABSTRACT

Lymphoepithelial cysts of the pancreas are extremely rare cystic lesion characterized by the presence of a mature, squamous epithelial lining surrounded by dense lymphoid tissue. They were first described in 1985 by Lchtrath and Schriefers. A 70-year-old male was admitted with a four month history of intermittent right upper quadrant abdominal pain radiating to the right subscapular area. Physical examination and laboratory studies did not show any abnormal findings. Computed tomography of the abdomen revealed a 2.7 cm well-circumscribed, uniloculated cystic lesion on the tail of the pancreas. Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography showed no abnormalities in the duct system. A distal pancreatectomy with a splenectomy was performed, with a suspected diagnosis of cystic neoplasms of the pancreas. Histopathologic diagnosis was a lymphoepithelial cyst of the pancreas. Although the histogenesis of lymphoepithelial cysts is not fully disclosed, they are benign and can be cured by local excision. This case is reported herein with a review of relevant literature.