Warthin's tumor

Warthin's tumor primarily affects older individuals (age 60–70 years). There is a slight male predilection according to recent studies. The tumor is slow growing, painless, and usually appears in the tail of the parotid gland near the angle of the mandible. In 5–14% of cases, Warthin's tumor is bilateral, but the two masses usually are at different times. Warthin's tumor is highly unlikely to become malignant. Locations The gland most likely affected is the parotid gland. In fact, it is the only tumor virtually restricted to the parotid gland. Warthin's tumor is the second most common benign parotid tumor after pleomorphic adenoma, but its prevalence is steadily increasing. ==Cause==

Its cause is unknown, but there is a strong association with cigarette smoking. Smokers are at 8 times greater risk of developing Warthin's tumor than the general population. ==Diagnosis==

The appearance of this tumor under the microscope is unique. There are cystic spaces surrounded by two uniform rows of oncocytes, which are epithelial cells with abundant, granular, eosinophilic cytoplasm. The cystic spaces have epithelium referred to as papillary infoldings that protrude into them. Additionally, the epithelium has lymphoid stroma with germinal center formation. The differential diagnosis includes sebaceous lymphadenoma and oncocytoma. Image:Warthin's tumor.jpg|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. Image:Papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum1.jpg|Low magnification micrograph of a Warthin tumor arising from the parotid gland. Image:Warthin tumor (1).jpg|Histopathology of Warthin tumor in the parotid gland. H&E stain. Image:Warthin tumor (2).jpg|Histopathology of Warthin tumor in the parotid gland. Another view of a file "Warthin tumor (1).jpg". H&E stain. Image:Warthin tumor (3).jpg|Histopathology of Warthin tumor in the parotid gland. Higher magnification of a file "Warthin tumor (1).jpg". H&E stain. Image:Papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum2.jpg|Intermediate magnification micrograph of a Warthin tumor. Image:Papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum3.jpg|High magnification micrograph of a Warthin tumor showing the characteristic bilayered epithelium. ==Treatment==

Most of these tumors are treated with surgical removal called parotidectomy. Contrary to pleomorphic adenoma, it is non recurrent. == See also ==

• Kahn, Michael A. Basic Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. Volume 1. 2001. == External links ==