Sensitivity and specificity of FNAB in management of Warthin tumor

Warthin tumor (pappilary cystadenoma lymphomatosum) is the second most frequent tumor of the parotid gland.

The norm for treating Warthin tumor in our institution has been surgical. However, since malignant transformation of pleomorphic adenoma is extremely rare, once correct diagnosis has been established via FNAB, conservative management of such patients presents itself as a viable option.

Aim of this study is to examine and correlate results uf preoperative FNAB (fine needle aspiration biopsy) to postoperative PHD results and establish accuracy rate of preoperative FNAB in our institution (Sarajevo Clinical University Center).

This is a retrospective cohort study of Warthin tumor patients hospitalized and operated on in ENT clinic in Sarajevo over 10 year period (January 2008 to January 2018), which we identified by querrying pathology database, where false positive, false negative and inconclusive FNAB results were analyzed in comparison to PHD reports. A number of patients with FNAB confirmed WT but not operated on, due to non related reasons, were also identified and their follow up results shown. Results were analyzed using statistical analysis including Mann Whitney and Chi square tests.

If FNAB test results prove to be reliable a decisional algorythm in treating this disease could be changed. Regular followups of parotid lumps by patients GPs could be an option for management of this disease.

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 April 2019 (online)