Cell surface markers on lymphoid cells from warthin's tumors

Abstract

T- and B-cell markers were studied on suspensions of lymphoid cells obtained from two Warthin's tumors. Each tumor was composed predominantly of T- lymphocytes and a smaller percentage of B-lymphocytes with a polyclonal distribution of their surface immunoglobulin. These results do not differ from those obtained in normal or reactive lymph nodes. Together with the finding of normal lymph node structures in these tumors, our findings support the concept that the lymphoid component of Warthin's tumor represents pre-existing lymph node tissue.