Lymphoepithelial cyst in the palatine tonsil: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Rationale: Lymphoepithelial cyst of the oral cavity is very rare. Most intraoral lymphoepithelial cysts are observed in the floor of the mouth and very few cases have been reported of its occurrence in the palatine tonsil. Patient concerns: A 37-year-old healthy woman with no remarkable medical history visited our department with a complaint of frequent tonsillitis. Interventions: On endoscopic examination, yellowish mass was observed in the palatine tonsil and removed via an intraoral approach. The mass was completely removed with the left palatine tonsil. Diagnoses & Outcomes: Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical staining confirmed a Lymphoepithelial cyst. Lessons: Lymphepithelial cysts of the palatine tonsils are extremely rare and are easily overlooked because there are few reported cases. Therefore, care must be taken when examining the tonsil mass.