Cystadenolymphoma (Warthin's Tumour) of the Parotid Gland: A Clinical and Histological Evaluation of 40 Cases

Abstract

The pertinent literature on the subject is reviewed, followed by a clinical and histological description and evaluation of 40 cases of cystadenolymphoma (Warthin's tumour). The findings in the Danish material are in broad outline in agreement with statements from the literature apart from the fact that the present material shows no recurrences, which is found to justify a radical surgical approach to this totally benign, but occasionally multifocal tumour. Correlation between clinical and microscopical features separates smooth-walled cystadenolymphomas from the usual papillomatous tumours, the former possibly representing ageing phenomena eventually associated with changed patterns of growth. The pathogenesis of the tumours is hence discussed from a non-neoplastic point of view, considering the developing tumour a parallel to other benign lympho-epithelial proliferations.