Warthin’s tumor is a benign growth in the salivary glands, often linked to smoking and age. Symptoms include swelling, pain, and hearing problems. Diagnosis involves physical exams and imaging tests. Treatment may involve surgical removal.
Warthin’s tumor is a growth that forms in a person’s salivary glands. This type of tumor is benign, which means it is not cancerous. The tumor usually grows very slowly and is painless. While some benign tumors may eventually develop cancerous cells, this event is extremely unlikely with Warthin’s tumors.
The exact cause of Warthin’s tumor is unknown. However, the development of this type of cancer appears to be linked to cigarette smoking. People who smoke cigarettes are much more likely to develop this type of cancer than those who don’t. In addition to smoking, age appears to play a role in the development of this type of cancer. People over the age of 60 are more prone to developing them.
While Warthin’s tumor can develop anywhere in a person’s salivary glands, it is more likely to affect the parotid gland. The salivary glands include the parotid gland, the submandibular gland, and the sublingual gland. Of these three, the parotid gland is the largest, running along the bottom of a person’s jaw and under the earlobe. Although most tumors affecting the salivary glands develop in this gland, the vast majority of them are not cancerous.
Some people with Warthin’s tumor have no symptoms at all. This is called an asymptomatic case. Others develop a range of symptoms, including swollen saliva glands, swelling in the lower jaw, and jaw pain. Some people feel a feeling of pressure in the jaw area while others may develop paralysis of the facial nerves. Also, some patients experience earache and hearing problems, including ringing in the ears.
Diagnosing Warthin’s tumor usually includes a physical exam in which a doctor uses their hands to feel abnormal swelling in the neck and jaw area. He may also examine the mouth and look for abnormalities in the facial nerve and altered muscle function. Doctors often use diagnostic tests to detect these tumors as well. For example, a doctor may order x-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans in an attempt to diagnose his or her patient. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests can also be used, not only to diagnose patients but also to figure out exactly where the nodules are located and how big they are.
Treatment for Warthin’s tumor may depend on the size of the growth and how much discomfort it is causing the patient. Often, these tumors are surgically removed. In some cases, part of the parotid gland must also be removed.
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