Cystic masses of the spleen.

Cystic masses of the spleen are unusual, and identification of their origin is critical to proper management. Presenting symptoms frequently are due to compressive effects of the mass or are due to infection. These cystic splenic masses are most commonly secondary cysts that lack a true epithelial lining and are usually related to prior splenic injury. Primary splenic cysts are rare and have an epidermal lining. Computed abdominal tomography outlines the anatomy and character of cystic masses of the spleen. Cystic splenic masses that are large, inflammatory in origin, involve the splenic hilum, or are infected, should be excised by splenectomy. Cysts localized to a single pole can be treated by partial splenectomy. An experience with three illustrative cases is presented.