Lymphoepithelial cyst of the pancreas tail. Case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Context: Lymphoepithelial cyst of the pancreas is a lesion that comprises a stratified squamous epithelial lining atop dense lymphoid tissue.

Case report: We report our case of a 56-year-old man presented with recurrent abdominal pain. A CT scan showed a cystic lesion between the spleen and the pancreas. A distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy was performed. All pancreatic tissue was submitted for histologic examination. The patient recovered on the ward. On postoperative day two, the patient started eating an advanced diet. He was discharged on postoperative day four. The cyst is comprised of benign stratified squamous epithelium atop dense lymphoid tissue, which was consistent with cyst.

Conclusion: Good preoperative radiological anatomical mapping, good communication and good cooperation between the pathologist and the surgeon are essential to resect the lymphoepithelial cyst and exclude malignancy.