Lymphoepithelial cyst

Lymphoepithelial cyst is thought to arise from the entrapment of salivary epithelium in lymphoid aggregates during embryogenesis. Such lesions are not common. It has been noted that there is a close association between the oral mucosal lymphoid tissue and the secretory ducts of minor salivary glands which is recognized as "Duct-associated lymphoid tissue" (DALT). A case of lymphoepithelial cyst with histologically documented close proximity between the excretory ducts of the minor salivary gland and lymphoid tissue in the cyst wall suggesting a DALT-like structure is presented.