Extraparotid Warthin's Tumor

Abstract

Papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum (Warthin's tumor) is a benign, slowly growing tumor found almost exclusively in the parotid gland or periparotid lymph nodes. Our experience with 14 cases of extraparotid Warthin's tumor (EPWT) over 22 years is presented. All cases occurred in extraparotid lymph nodes and represented 8.0% of 176 Warthin's tumors accessioned during this time. Fourteen cases of EPWT occurred in 13 patients (seven men and six women) between 41 and 77 years old. Three of the 13 patients (23%) had associated Warthin's tumor of the parotid gland. One of these patients also had a metachronous EPWT presented as a contralateral cervical mass. EPWT was discovered incidentally in six patients (46%) undergoing neck dissections for malignancies of the head and neck. Four patients (31%) presented with clinically evident solitary cervical masses. The embryologic basis for such findings is discussed. EPWT is adequately managed by conservative excision.