Warthin Tumour
Pronunciation: WAR-thin TOO-mer
A benign salivary gland neoplasm arising almost exclusively in the parotid gland, characterised histologically by papillary cystic structures lined with oncocytic epithelium and a dense lymphoid stroma.
Full Definition
Warthin tumour, also known as papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum, is the second most common benign parotid gland tumour after pleomorphic adenoma. It is strongly associated with cigarette smoking and has a predilection for older males. Histologically, it is composed of a bilayered oncocytic epithelium forming papillary projections into cystic spaces, with an underlying lymphoid stroma containing germinal centres. Bilateral or multifocal occurrence is more common with Warthin tumour than with any other salivary gland neoplasm. Editors should use the eponymous form 'Warthin tumour' (without an apostrophe-s per current style) rather than 'Warthin's tumour' in contemporary publications.
Usage
Usage note: Modern editorial style drops the possessive form: 'Warthin tumour,' not 'Warthin's tumour.' Check journal style guide. The synonym 'adenolymphoma' is archaic and should be replaced.
In Context
- "Fine-needle aspiration of the bilateral parotid masses was consistent with Warthin tumour." — Cytology report
- "The editor changed 'Warthin's tumour' to 'Warthin tumour' in accordance with the journal's style guide, which follows eponym-without-possessive convention." — Style editing note