Non-gynaecological Cytology
Head and neck cytology
Indications of head and neck cytology
Sampling and preparation methods
Oral cavity
Cystic lesions
Anatomy and cytology of salivary glands
Tumor-like lesions of salivary glands
Benign salivary glands tumors
Malignant salivary glands tumors
Other lesions of salivary glands

Warthin tumor

It occurs mainly in males, it is frequently bilateral. It has a cystic, oncocytic lymphoepithelial appearance. The cytology is that of a cystic lesion. The aspirated material is usually brown, dirty and thick. The background of the smear is composed by this 'cystic' dirty fluid, which contains oncocytic cells, lymphocytes and histiocytes. The oncocytes are in papillary or pseudopapillary structures. The Whartin tumor (cystadenoma papillare lymphomatosum) frequently undergoes necrotic changes. This results in squamous metaplasia. The latter may mimic necrotic squamous cancer. The differential diagnosis very important, since squamous carcinoma in the head and neck region is usually necrotic, hence pseudocystic.

Warthin tumor - histology
Warthin tumor - cytology

 

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