High risk for bilateral Warthin tumor in heavy smokers – review of 185 cases

Abstract

Overall, in 203 parotid operations, a lateral parotidectomy (77%) was performed in most cases; 94% were primary surgery and 6% were revision surgery. In 89% of patients swelling was the only symptom. Bilateral Warthin tumor was seen in 17% of patients. Of these cases synchronous and metachronous bilateral tumors were observed in 61% and 39%, respectively. The median time period for second contralateral tumor development was 7 years. Postoperative transient facial dysfunction was observed in 31%, which recovered within 3 months in all cases. Evaluation of risk factors revealed that 89% of the subjects were smokers and 66% were heavy smokers. The risk for bilateral Warthin tumors correlated significantly with the amount of nicotine intake (p=0.003).