A report of a giant epidermoid splenic cyst.

Splenic cysts are uncommon lesions and are classified as true or pseudocysts based on the presence of an epithelial lining. True congenital cysts can be epidermoid, dermoid or endodermoid and require surgery when large, sympthomatic or complicated. Ultrasonography and computerised tomography scan are useful for diagnosis and serum test for echinococcosis should be done. Several procedures, open or laparoscopic, have been described, with emphasis on the spleen-preserving surgery, when possible. We present a boy with a giant symptomatic epidermoid cyst in whom total splenectomy by open technique was carried out.