EPIDERMOID CYSTS OF THE SPLEEN - A REPORT OF 2 CASES AND A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Benign cysts of the spleen (excepting parasites) are rare. Less than 1 0% of the cases involve epidermoid cysts, as the two cases reported he re. These lesions are often asymptomatic and can lead unspecific clini cal manifestations. The diagnosis is based on echography and abdominal computed tomography. Generally, imagery can eliminate a hydatic cyst of the spleen but cannot differentiate between different types of non- parasite cysts. Major complications including rupture and intracystic haemorrhage, malignant transformation and the impossibility of obtaini ng a preoperative histological diagnosis make surgery the only possibl e treatment. A conservative approach with partial splenectomy is the u sual option, but total splenectomy may be required. The question of wh ether surgery is always necessary for small asymptomatic cysts of the spleen in under debate. Certain authors suggest that only regular echo graphic monitoring is necessary.