A lymphoepithelial cyst (branchial cyst) in the floor of the mouth.
Lymphoepithelial cysts are developmental, but their pathogenesis is unknown. The classical explanation is that they are derived from remnants of the branchial arches or clefts. This has been disputed, and it is likely that most arise from epithelium, possibly of tonsillar or salivary origin, that becomes entrapped by lymphoid tissue. This report describes a lymphoepithelial cyst in a 29-year-old man. The cyst was situated on the right side of the floor of the mouth adjacent to the lingual frenum. Its appearance supports both branchiogenic and the entrapment theories.
Kumara
G R
GR
Department of Oral Medicine and Oral Surgery, School of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin.
Gillgrass
T J
TJ
Bridgman
J B
JB
D000328:Adult; D001935:Branchioma / Q000473:pathology*; D003884:Dermoid Cyst / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009060:Mouth Floor / Q000473:pathology*; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*