Abstract
We report an unusual case of intra-thyroidal lymphoepithelial cysts. A 59-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for the investigation of a thyroid mass. Her thyroid function was normal, but 5-mm masses were found in bilateral lower lobes of the thyroid gland. A partial resection of the left lower lobe was performed for diagnosis and treatment. A cystic lesion, containing a thick whitish-yellow substance, was identified. Microscopically, the cyst had a squamous epithelial lining with abundant underlying lymphoid tissue, including lymphoid germinal centers. Lymphoepithelial cysts, which may originate from the branchial pouch, are typically found in the lateral part of the neck, anterior to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. To the best of our knowledge, only 18 other cases of intra-thyroidal lymphoepithelial cysts have been reported.
