Fine-needle aspiration cytology of a pancreatic lymphoepithelial cyst

Lymphoepithelial cyst of the pancreas (LECP) is an exceedingly rare nonneoplastic entity of uncertain histogenesis. A case of LECP clinically and radiographically mimicking a pseudocyst in a 44-yr-old man is described. Preoperative fine-needle aspiration cytology was instrumental in correctly identifying the lesion as a benign true cyst, thus permitting appropriate surgical management by local resection. The clinical and pathologic features of all ten previously reported cases of lymphoepithelial cyst of the pancreas are reviewed and current theories regarding its histogenesis are discussed.