The growth rate and the positive prediction of needle biopsy of clinically diagnosed Warthin's tumor.
PURPOSE
This study reports the clinical course, including the growth rate, of Warthin's tumor (WT) and evaluates the positive prediction of needle biopsy for WT.


METHODS
The medical records of 182 patients clinically diagnosed with WT were retrospectively reviewed. Tumor growth rates were measured in patients who underwent serial radiologic exams with minimum 6-month time intervals, and the positive prediction value (PPV) of needle biopsy was evaluated in comparison with surgical pathology in patients who underwent surgical excision of the tumors.


RESULTS
Serial radiologic exams were available for growth rate measurement in 31 tumors (size 0.7-9.1 cm) from 25 patients. Among these, 24 tumors increased in size, and 7 were stable. The median follow-up duration was 23.5 months [interquartile range (IQR) 14.8-51.9], and the tumor growth rate ranged from - 0.36 to 2.26 cm per year (median 0.26, IQR 0.07-0.44). Needle biopsy results were available for comparison with postoperative pathology specimens in 147 patients. The PPV was 97.7% for fine-needle aspiration biopsy and 100% for core-needle biopsy. There were no reports of inflammation, facial nerve paralysis, or admission event during the follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
WT glows slowly and can be predicted by needle biopsy. Therefore, parotid masses diagnosed as Warthin's tumor can be treated or left untreated based on the patient's needs and clinical decision-making.
['Seok|Jungirl|J|', 'Jeong|Woo-Jin|WJ|', 'Ahn|Soon-Hyun|SH|', 'Jung|Young Ho|YH|']
D000235:Adenolymphoma D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle D062005:Biopsy, Large-Core Needle D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D009367:Neoplasm Staging D010307:Parotid Neoplasms D018579:Patient Selection D011237:Predictive Value of Tests D011379:Prognosis D012189:Retrospective Studies
Growth rate Fine-needle aspiration biopsy Core-needle biopsy Conservative management Warthin’s tumor