Warthin's tumor (patient information)
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-in-Chief: Jinhui Wu, MD
Please Join in Editing This Page and Apply to be an Editor-In-Chief for this topic: There can be one or more than one Editor-In-Chief. You may also apply to be an Associate Editor-In-Chief of one of the subtopics below. Please mail us [1] to indicate your interest in serving either as an Editor-In-Chief of the entire topic or as an Associate Editor-In-Chief for a subtopic. Please be sure to attach your CV and or biographical sketch.
Wwhat is Warthin's tumor?
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.
How do I know if I have Warthin's tumor and 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:
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 risk for Warthin's tumor?
The cause of Warthin's tumor is not clear. But clinical data suggest that smoking has a close relationship with Warthin's tumor.
How to know you have Warthin's tumor?
- 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.
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Patients with kidney cancer have many treatment options. The selection depends on the stage of the tumor. The options are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, biologic drugs treatment, or a combination of these methods. Before treatment starts, ask your health care team about possible side effects and how treatment may change your normal activities. Because cancer treatments often damage healthy cells and tissues, side effects are common. Side effects may not be the same for each person, and they may change from one treatment session to the next.
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for Warthin's tumor?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Warthin's tumor