A Case of Lymphoepithelial Cyst in the Lower Esophagus

Lymphoepithelial cyst is a rare benign cystic tumor that is composed of a squamous epithelial cyst surrounded by lymphoid tissue, and this type of cyst is histologically similar to the branchial cleft cysts of the lateral neck. It is most often found in the head and neck and it is only rarely found in the pancreas, mediastinum and hypopharynx. Lymphoepithelial cysts of the esophagus have been described in Japan by Kataoka and Asami. We report here on a case of esophageal lymphoepithelial cyst that was removed endoscopically without serious complications.