Epithelial inclusion cyst (epidermoid cyst) formation with epithelioid cell granuloma in an intrapancreatic accessory spleen.

The histologic characteristics of a case of epidermoid cyst formation with an epithelioid cell granuloma that developed in intrapancreatic accessory spleen were investigated, with the aim of clarifying its origin as well as etiologic factors. The patient, a 48-year-old male, was found to have a cystic lesion in the tail of the pancreas and renal cell carcinoma (clear cell carcinoma) during a medical check up. The pancreatic mass appeared to be a so-called "mucinous tumor" on imaging, and combined resection of the body and tail of the pancreas and the spleen was performed together with a left nephrectomy. The lesion in the tail of the pancreas was then demonstrated to have accessory splenic tissue with cyst formation in its central region. The cystic wall was covered with stratified squamous epithelium and ductal epithelium with squamous metaplasia, and pancreatic islet cells were evident at various sites within the accessory spleen. Formation of epithelioid cell granuloma tissue was observed around the cysts. The epithelium of the cyst was positive for CA19-9 and negative for antibodies against mesothelial cells, whereas the pancreatic island cells were positive for insulin. These results suggested that cystic epithelium in the accessory spleen could be derived from pancreatic duct epithelium. Frequent recurrence of chronic inflammation and epitheloid cell granuloma formation may have resulted from an aberration of the ectopic remaining pancreatic tissue in the spleen.