Warthin's tumor (patient information)
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Editor-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S.,M.D. [1] Phone:617-632-7753; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Jinhui Wu, M.D.
Overview
Warthin's tumor is a type of benign tumor of the salivary glands. The causes are not clear. But data suggest that smoking has a close related to Warthin's tumor. Usual symptoms include swollen salivary gland, lump near back of lower jaw, jaw pain, sensation of pressure, facial nerve paralysis, tinnitus, impaired hearing, earache, etc. X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may help diagnosis. Surgery is the best treatment for Warthin's tumor. As a benign tumor, the prognosis of Warthin's tumor is good.
What are the symptoms of Warthin's tumor?
Early Warthin's tumor does not have any symptoms. As the tumor grows larger, people may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- Swollen salivary gland
- Lump near back of lower jaw
- Jaw pain
- Sensation of pressure
- Facial nerve paralysis
- Tinnitus
- Impaired hearing
- Earache
Other health problems may also cause these symptoms. Only a doctor can tell for sure. A person with any of these symptoms should tell the doctor so that the problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
Who is at highest risk?
The cause of Warthin's tumor is not clear. But clinical data suggest that smoking has a close relationship with Warthin's tumor.
Diagnosis
- Salivary gland biopsy: This is the most important test for diagnosis of Warthin's tumor. By thia means, the doctor can tell whether the tumor is benign or cancerous.
- X-rays of the salivary glands
- Computed tomography (CT) scan and biopsy: CT scans are often used to diagnose Warthin's tumor. It can confirm the location of the cancer and show the organs near the salivary glands. CT scans can also be used to guide biopsy and a biopsy sample is usually removed and looked at under a microscope.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI uses magnetic fields but it is a different type of image than what is produced by computed tomography (CT) and produces detailed images of the body. Like computed tomography (CT), a contrast agent may be injected into a patient’s vein to create a better picture.
Diseases with similar symptoms
- Salivary gland cysts
- Salivary gland lymphoma
- Salivary gland cancer
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call your health care provider if symptoms of Warthin's tumor develop.
Treatment options
The effective treatment for patients with Warthin's tumor is surgery. Before treatment starts, ask your health care team about possible side effects and how treatment may change your normal activities. Side effect may not be the same for each person, and they may change from one treatment session to the next.
Where to find medical care for Warthin's tumor?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Warthin's tumor