Symptomatic lymphoepithelial cyst of the pancreas: successful treatment without pancreatic resection

Abstract

Lymphoepithelial cysts (LECs) of the pancreas are rare benign lesions with unknown pathogenesis. LECs are true cysts that mimic pseudocysts and cystic neoplasms making diagnosis challenging. We report a case of a symptomatic LEC of the pancreas in a 67-year-old man who had severe epigastric pain. Workup including computed tomography and endoscopic ultrasound were non-diagnostic. The patient underwent attempted surgical resection; however, the mass was unresectable. The mass was enucleated and drained, and pathology returned LEC. The patient underwent a normal postoperative course and remained symptom free. Most LECs are diagnosed after an extensive pancreatic resection for suspicious cystic masses. The aim of this report is to show that operative management of LECs should not be limited to pancreatic resections. Excision and enucleation of LEC of the pancreas is a better alternative than an extensive pancreatic resection. Preoperative diagnosis of LECs appears to be the limiting factor.