Lymphoepithelial Cyst
A benign cyst lined by stratified squamous or respiratory epithelium and surrounded by lymphoid tissue, occurring within or adjacent to the parotid gland or on the floor of the mouth.
Full Definition
Lymphoepithelial cysts are benign developmental lesions arising from epithelial inclusions within cervical lymph nodes or salivary gland parenchyma. Intraoral lymphoepithelial cysts present as soft, yellow submucosal nodules, most commonly on the floor of the mouth or soft palate. Histologically, the cystic lining is composed of squamous or pseudostratified epithelium, with prominent lymphoid follicles in the cyst wall. In the context of HIV infection, bilateral parotid lymphoepithelial cysts are a recognised manifestation and require specific editorial attention in clinical case reports. Editors must distinguish this entity from branchial cleft cyst, which is a closely related but anatomically distinct lesion.
Usage
Usage note: In HIV-related contexts, specify 'HIV-associated bilateral parotid lymphoepithelial cysts' on first mention for clinical precision.
In Context
- "The surgical pathology report described a lymphoepithelial cyst of the left parotid gland with reactive germinal centres in the cyst wall." — Surgical pathology report
- "The editor queried whether the author intended 'branchial cleft cyst' or 'lymphoepithelial cyst,' as the two terms were used interchangeably in the discussion." — Peer review comment