Lymphoepithelial Cysts
Grace E. Kim, MD
Key Facts
Clinical Issues
Rare nonneoplastic pancreatic cystic lesions composed of squamous epithelial and lymphoid elements
Macroscopic Features
Multilocular or unilocular cystic lesions
Microscopic Pathology
Squamous-lined cysts
Dense distinct band of lymphoid tissue
Top Differential Diagnoses
Cystic entities lined by squamous epithelium
Epidermoid cyst in intrapancreatic spleen is surrounded by splenic tissue
Dermoid cyst has dermal appendages
Squamoid cyst is small without associated lymphoid tissue
 This pancreatic lymphoepithelial cyst shows the prominent lymphoid stroma and overlying keratinizing squamous epithelium. Lymphocytes may extend into the underlying pancreatic parenchyma. |
 Benign pancreatic ducts  are seen within the lymphoid component in the wall of a lymphoepithelial cyst. Germinal centers may be present  . |
TERMINOLOGY
Definitions
Nonneoplastic cyst with lymphoid and squamous epithelial components
Somewhat resemble epidermal inclusion cysts
ETIOLOGY/PATHOGENESIS
Uncertain
Not associated with conditions related to lymphoepithelial cysts of salivary gland
