A rare presentation of benign lymphoepithelial cyst in laryngopharynx

Abstract

Lymphoepithelial cysts are rare benign lesions with uncertain etiopathogenesis, mainly affecting salivary glands and oral mucosa. These most commonly present as lesions within the parotid gland and is typically associated with HIV infection in immunocompromised patients. These lesions also present in oral mucosa where the most common sites are floor of mouth and tongue. This case report presents an unusual presentation of a benign lymphoepithelial cyst (BLEC) in an immunocompetent patient arising from the palatine tonsil and extending up to laryngopharynx. A middle-aged male patient presented with symptoms of a swelling in the throat, and clinical examination as well as imaging features were similar to a mucocele, but on surgical excision and histopathological examination, it turned out to be a benign lymphoepithelial cyst. Even though these lesions exhibit indolent clinical behavior, with no tendency to recur after conservative surgical management, these are frequently misdiagnosed clinically due to the similarity of presentation to other common oral mucosal lesions. Hence an accurate clinical diagnosis requires histopathological correlation, especially in those cases which present in unusual locations.