Epidermoid cyst of the spleen successfully treated by marsupialization

Nonparasitic splenic cysts, although rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of persistent vague upper abdominal pain in children and young adults. These cysts, which are less common than traumatic pseudocysts, include hemangiomas, dermoids, lymphangiomas, and, as in the present case, epidermoid variants. Ultrasound is diagnostic. The pathogenesis of these lesions remains obscure. While some continue to advocate splenectomy as definitive treatment, an operation with splenic salvage should be possible, even in centrally located lesions.