Korean J Gastroenterol.
2002 Dec;40(6):410-413.
A Case of Lymphoepithelial Cyst of the Pancreas
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea. kimey@cataegu.ac.kr
- 2Department of Internal Medicine, Po-hang Saint Mary's Hospital*, Pohang, Korea.
Abstract
- Lymphoepithelial cysts of the pancreas are rare but distinctive cystic lesions characterized by the presence of a mature, squamous epithelial lining and a dense lymphoid infiltration. To our knowledge, more than forty cases have been reported in English-written papers. Our patient was a 69-year-old male with a history of intermittent abdominal pain and loss of body weight for one year. The results of physical examination and laboratory studies were within normal range. Endoscopic ultrasonography of the pancreas revealed a 2.2 cm sized well-circumscribed, inhomogeneous hypoechoic mass with anechoic areas on the surface of the head of pancreas. Postoperative histopathologic diagnosis was a lymphoepithelial cyst of the pancreas. The histogenesis of lymphoepithelial cysts is not fully disclosed. However, they are benign and can be cured by local excision. Thus, they should be differentiated from mucinous cystic neoplasm of the pancreas. This case is reported herein with a review of the relevant literature.
