A Giant Epidermoid Cyst of the Spleen and Mini Review of Literature

Splenic cysts are rare. They may be congenital, neoplastic, vascular, inflammatory and post traumatic in origin and may contribute to 30-40% of the total splenic lesion. Epidermoid cysts are primary congenital cysts that contains an epithelial lining. Epidermoid cyst are congenital cysts contribute approximately 10% of total splenic cysts. They are encountered more commonly in children and young adults. Congenital splenic cysts are usually asymptomatic and they are discovered incidentally on radiography investigation. Splenic epidermoid cysts are true cysts, as they possess inner epithelial lining of stratified squamous epithelium. Splenic epidermoid cysts also known as splenic epithelial cysts or primary splenic cysts are usually unilocular.

We are reporting a rare case of a 18 years old male patient with history of dull aching pain and palpable mass in left hypochondrium on physical examination. CT abdomen showed a large well defined cystic mass in the spleen. On laparotomy, open total splenectomy was performed.