Lymphoepithelial cysts of the pancreas: case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Background

Lymphoepithelial cysts (LECs) of the pancreas are a rare type of true pancreatic cysts and represent an estimated 0.5% of all pancreatic cystic lesions. They are benign lesions and have no malignant potential. However, they are hard to differentiate from malignant lesions because their imaging and clinical presentation vary greatly. Seeing as these are benign lesions which are increasingly found incidentally during imaging for other indications, correct diagnosis is important to prevent unnecessary intervention and morbidity.

Case report

We report the case of a 41-year-old female who presented with abdominal discomfort, bloating and dyspepsia. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed a large mass in the left fossa. We describe the diagnostic and therapeutic measures taken in this case.

Methods

We reviewed the literature for common features of the LEC. We grouped common imaging and histological features of the LEC of the pancreas to provide easily identifiable characteristics to facilitate diagnosis. For the review, we focused on papers, mostly case reports, presenting these common characteristics. We also reviewed the literature for key topics that should be taken into account when considering therapeutic interventions in a patient with a possible diagnosis of a LEC.

Conclusion

Cysts of the pancreas are increasingly identified due to widespread use and improved resolution of cross-sectional imaging. To obtain the correct diagnosis, it is sometimes necessary to combine advanced imaging, i.e. CT and MRI-imaging, and endoscopic ultrasound with fine needle aspiration (EUS/FNA), while CA 19-9 also has diagnostic value. We summarize all diagnostic characteristics in a table for ease of use. Furthermore we summarized possible therapeutic interventions.

Keywords:

• Lymphoepithelial cyst of the pancreas
• case report
• review of the literature
• cystic lesions of the pancreas
• benign lesions of the pancreas

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).