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Warthin tumor


Other Names:
Papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum (formerly)
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.[1][2][3]
Last updated: 9/8/2015
Warthin tumor is a benign (noncancerous) tumor of the salivary glands. They most commonly arise in the parotid glands, the largest salivary glands which are located in each cheek above the jaw in front of the ears. Approximately 5-14% of cases are bilateral and 12-20% of affected people experience multicentric (more than one tumor which formed separately from one another) disease.[2][3]

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).[1]
Last updated: 9/8/2015
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.[4][2]
Last updated: 9/8/2015
A diagnosis of Warthin tumor is often suspected based on the presence of characteristic signs and symptoms. The following tests may then be ordered to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions that cause similar features:[1][3]
  • X-rays of the salivary gland (called a ptyalogram or sialogram)
  • CT scan, MRI and/or ultrasound
  • Salivary gland biopsy
Last updated: 9/8/2015
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.[1][3]
Last updated: 9/8/2015
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.[2]
Last updated: 9/8/2015

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  1. Salivary Gland Tumors. MedlinePlus. February 2014; http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001040.htm.
  2. Iwai T, Baba J, Murata S, Mitsudo K, Maegawa J, Nagahama K, Tohnai I. Warthin tumor arising from the minor salivary gland. J Craniofac Surg. September 2012; 23(5):374-376. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22976673.
  3. Sanford Dubner, MD. Benign Parotid Tumors. Medscape Reference. March 2015; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1289560-overview#showall.
  4. Scott A Laurie, MD, FRCPC. Salivary gland tumors: Epidemiology, diagnosis, evaluation, and staging. UpToDate. September 2013; https://www.uptodate.com/contents/salivary-gland-tumors-epidemiology-diagnosis-evaluation-and-staging.