ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Warthin’s Tumor

What is warthin’s tumor?

11 December 2025

It is a benign tumor of the salivary glands that usually affects the lymphatic tissue in the caudal part of the parotid gland or the submandibular gland. It is most common in elderly men.

Warthin’s tumor, also known as cystadenolymphoma or benign lymphomatous papillary cystadenoma, is the second most common form of parotid tumors after pleomorphic adenoma. It develops gradually and can appear on both sides and potentially become cancerous over time, especially if not detected early.

The cause of Warthin’s tumor is currently unknown. Experts point to smoking as one of the main reasons, but other factors may also contribute to its appearance, such as:

  • Genetics.
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
  • Exposure to radiation.
  • Exposure to chemicals.
  • Chronically inflamed oral cavity.

Signs and symptoms Warthin’s Tumor

The symptoms appear gradually and include:

  • A small, round or oval lump.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Jaw pain.
  • Sore ear.
  • Deafness (hearing loss).
  • Hoarseness.
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Among the risks and complications that a Warthin’s tumor can cause are:

  • Low oxygen level in the brain.
  • Salivary fistula.
  • Facial paralysis.
  • Frey’s syndrome.

Diagnosis and treatment Warthin’s Tumor

Once the doctor analyzes the symptoms and clinical history, they will perform a physical examination and request the following studies to confirm the diagnosis:

  • Ultrasound.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
  • Computed Tomography (CT scan).
  • Tissue biopsy.

The treatment consists of a surgical procedure to fully or partially remove the tumor or the parotid gland using various techniques based on the tumor’s location.

Since its opening in 2009, our Cancer Center offers you chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments on par with the best medical centers in the world through a comprehensive care model for the oncology patient.

Related centers and departments Warthin’s Tumor

Cancer Center
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

  • cancer.org
  • elsevier.es
  • faceclinic.es
  • nih.gov
  • eurocytology.eu
  • medlineplus.gov
  • mayoclinic.org
  • medigraphic.com
  • Viveros ALM, Sánchez MJM. Tumor de Warthin. Reporte de un caso bilateral. An Med Asoc Med Hosp ABC. 2001;46(2):88-91.
  • Argüello-Chan ÁG, Balam-Alvarado D, Chay-Correa T, et al. Tumor de Warthin y carcinoma epidermoide de piso de boca. Presentación de caso clínico. Salud Quintana Roo. 2016;9(35):16-19.
  • Ramírez-Alvarado C, Mora-Constantino J, Domínguez CLG. Tumor de Warthin. Acta Med. 2015;13(1):42-45.

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