Lymphoepithelial cysts of the oral cavity: Report of twenty-four cases

Abstract

The clinical features, histologic findings, histogenesis, and treatment of twenty-four cases of lymphoepithelial cyst of the oral cavity, the largest series of such cases reported in the literature, have been reviewed. The findings may be summarized as follows: 1. 1. The patients ranged in age from 15 to 65 years, with an average age of 36.4 years. 2. 2. Lesions ranged in duration from 1 month to 5 years, with an average duration of 15.1 months. 3. 3. The lymphoepithelial cyst occurred more often in the male than in the female (a ratio of more than 2:1). 4. 4. All cysts were located either in the floor of the mouth or in the tongue. 5. 5. These cysts ranged in size from a few millimeters to about 1.5 by 1.5 cm. and appeared as freely mobile, circumscribed lesions. 6. 6. The lesion is characterized by a cystic cavity which is lined with stratified squamous epithelium and which lies in a circumscribed mass of follicular and diffuse lymphoid tissue. The lymphoid tissue shows lymphatic channels. 7. 7. It is postulated that this lesion arises from the epithelium which, during embryogenesis, becomes included within the lymphoid aggregations in the mucosa of the oral cavity. 8. 8. Treatment consists of local conservative excision.