Warthin tumor is a benign tumor of the salivary gland. The first symptom is usually a painless, slow-growing bump in front of the ear, on the bottom of the mouth, or under the chin. Warthin tumors may increase in size over time, but few become cancerous. Learn about symptoms, causes, treatment, and prognosis.
Salivary Glands and Deglutition (swallowing) food
Image by TheVisualMD
Summary
Cytopathology of Warthin's tumor
Image by Mikael Häggström, M.D. Author info - Reusing images- Conflicts of interest: None
Mikael Häggström, M.D.Consent note: Consent from the patient or patient's relatives is regarded as redundant, because of absence of identifiable features (List of HIPAA identifiers) in the media and case information (See also HIPAA case reports guidance)./Wikimedia
Cytopathology of Warthin's tumor
Cytopathology of Warthin's tumor of the parotid gland, with a multinucleation, but otherwise typical cellular features. Pap stain. With the brightness setting required to see through the oncocytic cells, the cytoplasm of the lymphocyte is not visible in this image, making it look like a naked nucleus. Since only limited lymphocytes are seen, a diagnosis of a true oncocytoma of the parotid gland cannot be ruled out. References for entries:- Köybaşioğlu FF, Önal B, Han Ü, Adabağ A, Şahpaz A (2020). "Cytomorphological findings in diagnosis of Warthin tumor". Turk J Med Sci 50 (1): 148-154. DOI:10.3906/sag-1901-215. PMID 31769640. PMC: 7080357.Binucleation:- Dr.S. Malliga (2006-10-18). A correlative cytological and histopathological study on lesions of salivary gland.- Chan MKM, McGuire LJ: Cytodiagnosis of Lesions Presenting as Salivary Gland Swellings: A Report of Seven Cases. Diagn Cytopathol 8: 439-443, 1992b.
Image by Mikael Häggström, M.D. Author info - Reusing images- Conflicts of interest: None
Mikael Häggström, M.D.Consent note: Consent from the patient or patient's relatives is regarded as redundant, because of absence of identifiable features (List of HIPAA identifiers) in the media and case information (See also HIPAA case reports guidance)./Wikimedia
What Is Warthin Tumor?
Warthin tumor is a benign tumor of the salivary gland. The first symptom is usually a painless, slow-growing bump in front of the ear, on the bottom of the mouth, or under the chin. Warthin tumors may increase in size over time, but few become cancerous. Though the cause is currently unknown, smoking is believed to increase the chance of developing Warthin tumor. Treatment may consist of surgery to remove the tumor or careful observation to watch for changes in the tumor over time.
Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
Additional Materials (5)
Papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum cytology high
High magnification micrograph of a papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum (Warthin tumour), a benign tumour of salivary glands, that classically arises in the parotid gland. H&E stain.
Features of papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum seen in the image:[1]
Oncocytes.
Well-defined cell border.
Granular cytoplasm.
Nucleoli.
Lymphocytes.
Necrotic material (cyst contents).See also
FNA specimen:
Image:Papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum cytology intermed.jpgNon-cytology specimen:
Image:papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum1.jpg - low magnification (shows capsule and a fragment of normal parotid gland).
Image:papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum3.jpg - high magnification (shows a papillae with their characteristic bilayered epithelium).References
↑ http://sciencelinks.jp/j-east/article/200123/000020012301A0753392.php
Image by Nephron/Wikimedia
Sensitive content
This media may include sensitive content
Warthin's tumor
This Warthin's tumor presented as a parotid mass in a middle-aged male, who underwent superficial parotidectomy. The tumor, at the right of the image, is well-demarcated from the adjacent parotid tissue and tends to shell out from it.
Photograph by Ed Uthman, MD. Public domain. Posted 2 Jan 99
Image by Ed Uthman, MD/Wikimedia
Oral Pathology | Salivary Gland Benign Diseases | NBDE Part II
Video by Mental Dental/YouTube
Warthin Tumor (Salivay Gland Neoplasm) - part 1
Video by Medinaz/YouTube
Warthin Tumor (Salivay Gland Neoplasm) - part 2
Video by Medinaz/YouTube
Papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum cytology high
Nephron/Wikimedia
Sensitive content
This media may include sensitive content
Warthin's tumor
Ed Uthman, MD/Wikimedia
4:11
Oral Pathology | Salivary Gland Benign Diseases | NBDE Part II
Mental Dental/YouTube
4:54
Warthin Tumor (Salivay Gland Neoplasm) - part 1
Medinaz/YouTube
3:57
Warthin Tumor (Salivay Gland Neoplasm) - part 2
Medinaz/YouTube
Causes
Idiopathic - Unknown
Image by PaliGraficas/Pixabay
Idiopathic - Unknown
Image by PaliGraficas/Pixabay
What Causes Warthin Tumor?
The exact underlying cause of Warthin tumor is currently unknown. However, smoking is thought to increase the risk of developing the tumor. Some studies suggest that radiation exposure and autoimmune disorders may also be associated with Warthin tumor.
Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
Symptoms
Warthin Tumor of Parotid, FNA
Image by euthman
Warthin Tumor of Parotid, FNA
Image by euthman
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Warthin Tumor?
The first symptom is usually a firm, painless bump. Without treatment, the swelling may gradually increase overtime which can cause facial nerve palsy (difficulty moving one side of the face).
Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
Diagnosis
Sialogram in a patient suspected of Sjögren's
Image by Hellerhoff
Sialogram in a patient suspected of Sjögren's
Sialogram in a patient suspected of Sjogren's syndrome. Salivary glands revealed.
Image by Hellerhoff
How Is Warthin Tumor Diagnosed?
X-rays of the salivary gland (called a ptyalogram or sialogram)
CT scan, MRI and/or ultrasound
Salivary gland biopsy
Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
Treatment
Surgery
Image by Staff Sgt. Miguel Lara/Wikimedia
Surgery
U.S. Air Force Maj Jonathan Forbes, 455th Expeditionary Medical Operations Squadron neurosurgeon looks through loupes as he performs brain surgery at the Craig Joint Theater Hospital, Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, Oct. 10, 2014. The loupes allow Forbes to see the surgery at a two times magnification. Forbes removed an 8-centimeter tumor during the five-hour surgery. Forbes is deployed from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., and is a native of New Martinsville, W.Va. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Miguel Lara III/Released)
Unit: 455th Air Expeditionary Wing
Image by Staff Sgt. Miguel Lara/Wikimedia
How Might Warthin Tumor Be Treated?
Treatment of Warthin tumor generally includes surgery to remove the tumor or careful observation to watch for changes in the tumor over time. Because Warthin tumor is almost always benign, additional treatment (i.e. radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy) is rarely needed.
Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
Prognosis
Relative incidence of parotid tumors
Image by Mikael Häggström, M.D. Author info - Reusing images- Conflicts of interest: None
Mikael Häggström, M.D./Wikimedia
Relative incidence of parotid tumors
Relative incidence of parotid tumors.
Reference for data: Steve C Lee, MD, PhD. Salivary Gland Neoplasms. Medscape. Updated: Jan 13, 2021
Image by Mikael Häggström, M.D. Author info - Reusing images- Conflicts of interest: None
Mikael Häggström, M.D./Wikimedia
What Is the Long-Term Outlook for People with Warthin Tumor?
The long-term outlook for people with Warthin tumor is generally good. The tumor is almost always benign and is generally cured with surgery. The risk of recurrence (the tumor returning) is thought to be 2% or less.
Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
Send this HealthJournal to your friends or across your social medias.
Warthin Tumor
Warthin tumor is a benign tumor of the salivary gland. The first symptom is usually a painless, slow-growing bump in front of the ear, on the bottom of the mouth, or under the chin. Warthin tumors may increase in size over time, but few become cancerous. Learn about symptoms, causes, treatment, and prognosis.