title: Mesothelial cysts of the spleen with squamous metaplasia.
abstract: Epidermoid cyst (metaplastic mesodermal cyst) is the most common true cyst of the spleen. The pathogenesis is unknown. The lesion is usually asymptomatic and has a characteristic gross morphology. Two splenic epidermoid cysts which were mesothelial-lined and showed focal squamous metaplasia were observed. Examination of one adult spleen and ten fetal spleens showed similar mesothelial linings of their capsules. It is believed that the epithelial-lined splenic cysts are the result of invagination of capsular surface mesothelium with subsequent cystic expansion and metaplastic changes. The use of the term "mesothelial cyst with squamous metaplasia" as a more accurate term than "epidermoid" or "metaplastic mesodermal cyst" is suggested.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003560:Cysts / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D004848:Epithelium / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007813:Laparotomy; D008297:Male; D008679:Metaplasia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D013158:Splenic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D013163:Splenomegaly / Q000150:complications