Usually stratified squamous epithelium but cuboidal or transitional-like epithelium may be present
Dense distinct band of lymphoid tissue
• Other elements variably present
• Adjacent pancreas is often unremarkable
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
• Lymphangioma has endothelial lining
Aggregates of lymphoid tissue rather than thick band of lymphoid tissue
• Multilocular cyst with endothelial lining
• Pseudocyst lacks epithelial lining
Squamous Lining and Keratinaceous Debris Abundant keratinaceous debris is seen within this cyst locule. The cyst wall is composed of lymphoid tissue with a thin squamous epithelial lining .
Band-Like Lymphocytic Component This pancreatic lymphoepithelial cyst shows the prominent band of lymphocytes and overlying keratinizing squamous epithelium . Lymphocytes may extend into the underlying pancreatic parenchyma.
Squamous Epithelium Overlying Lymphocytes High-power view of this lymphoepithelial cyst shows the benign stratified squamous epithelial lining above the prominent lymphoid stroma .
Germinal Centers and Pancreatic Ducts 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
ETIOLOGY/PATHOGENESIS
Uncertain
• Not associated with conditions related to lymphoepithelial cysts of salivary gland
CLINICAL ISSUES
Epidemiology
• Incidence
Rare, accounting for 0.5% of pancreatic cystic lesions
• Age
Mean: 56 years
Range: 38-82 years
• Sex
M:F = 4:1
Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue
is seen within this cyst locule. The cyst wall is composed of lymphoid tissue 
with a thin squamous epithelial lining 
.
and overlying keratinizing squamous epithelium 
. Lymphocytes may extend into the underlying pancreatic parenchyma.
above the prominent lymphoid stroma 
.
are seen within the lymphoid component in the wall of a lymphoepithelial cyst. Germinal centers may be present 
.
