Lymphoepithelial cyst of the pancreas: A case report

Abstract

Background: Lymphoepithelial cyst of the pancreas is a rare lesion of undetermined pathogenesis that had been documented almost exclusively in males. The literature on this entity is limited to reports of single or a small number of cases. Methods: The case we described herein was compared with a total of 36 cases reported elsewhere. Results: The 37 cases of lymphoepithelial cyst of the pancreas including our case were reviewed. Lymphoepithelial cysts have uniform and distinctive clinicopathologic features. Approximately 46% of the reported cases were asymptomatic with the lesions found incidentally, and their symptoms were non-specific. Conclusions: Lymphoepithelial cyst is a rare benign lesion of the pancreas. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is a rapid and reliable technique that can be used as the first diagnostic step in cases of cystic lesions of the pancreas. © 2004, Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int. All rights reserved.