Lingual cyst with respiratory epithelium: An entity of debatable histogenesis

Purpose: The purpose of this report was to describe a new case of lingual c yst with repiratory epithelium, to review and analyze the literature regard ing lingual cyst of foregut origin and lingual alimentary cyst, and to disc uss the suitable terminology fur these uncommon cysts. Material and Methods: Data from articles published in the English language between the pears 1942 and 1947 were used. Results: The review of the literature showed 53 lingual cysts of which 29 c ould be grouped into lingual alimentary tract cysts and 24 into lingual cys ts of foregut origin. There was an overlap in histologic and clinical featu res and embryogenesis of both cysts. Conclusions: Differentiation between both cysts cannot be supported, and un til further information is accumulated it is suggested that histologic desc riptive terms be used such as lingual cyst with respiratory epithelium, lin gual cyst with gastric epithelium, or lingual cyst with respiratory and gas tric epithelium.