Epidermoid cysts of the spleen

Primary nonparasitic splenic cysts are very rare. Clinical manifestations vary but are often not very typical. Ultrasound and computed tomography are of use for establishing diagnosis. A microscopic examination of the surgical specimen is the only way to make the diagnosis of an epidermoid cyst. The histological characteristic of an epidermoid cyst is the presence of an epidermoid epithelial cyst lining of the inner surface. Treatment requires surgery and is necessary to prevent serious complications. Spleen saving surgical procedures are advocated. We present two cases of young patients with a large epidermoid cyst of the spleen who were operated on. On one patient, we had to perform a splenectomy because of the size and central localization of the cyst with compression of the splenic pedicle. On the other patient we managed to perform a partial splenectomy.