Lymphoepithelial cyst (LEC) of the pancreas: cytomorphology and differential diagnosis on fine-needle aspiration (FNA)

Diagn Cytopathol. 1999 Jun;20(6):371-4. doi: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0339(199906)20:6<371::aid-dc8>3.0.co;2-s.

Abstract

Lymphoepithelial cyst (LEC) of the pancreas is an extremely rare benign entity. We describe the cytopathologic findings of such a lesion in a 49-yr-old woman who was examined for epigastric pain. A trans-esophageal ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of a pancreatic mass disclosed an intimate mixture of squamous epithelial cells and small, mature lymphocytes in a background of keratinaceous debris, anucleate squames, and multinucleated histiocytes. On histopathologic examination, a subsequent resection showed a multiloculated cystic lesion with a stratified squamous epithelial lining surrounded by well-formed lymphoid tissue, suggestive of LEC. The differential diagnosis includes other pancreatic pseudocysts, dermoid cyst, mucinous cystic neoplasms, adenosquamous carcinoma, and metastatic squamous cell carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pancreas / pathology
  • Pancreas / surgery
  • Pancreatic Cyst / diagnosis*
  • Pancreatic Cyst / pathology
  • Pancreatic Cyst / surgery