Warthin's tumour: unusual vs. common morphological findings in fine needle aspiration biopsies

Cytopathology. 2002 Aug;13(4):232-41. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2303.2002.00415.x.

Abstract

Fine needle aspiration biopsies (FNA) of 47 Warthin's tumours confirmed by histology were re-evaluated for cytomorphological findings. The majority of aspirates (37/47) contained a typical background with proteinaceous substance and cell debris, along with cellular elements represented by oncocytic, lymphoid, and mast cells with degranulated cytoplasm. Uncommon cellular findings were true squamous cells (1/47), atypical cells with vacuoles (1/47), osteoclastic giant cells (1/47), epithelioid cells (1/47), mast cells with preserved granules in cytoplasm (3/47), and siderophages (4/47). Uncommon findings in the background were corpora amylacea-like structures and homogeneous bright red droplets. Squamous cells and atypical cells with vacuoles caused diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing a Warthin's tumour from a squamous cell or mucoepidermoid carcinoma. However, other unusual cellular and background findings were not worrying; therefore, they are merely regarded as a curiosity in the cytomorphological appearance of the tumour.

MeSH terms

  • Adenolymphoma / pathology*
  • Adenolymphoma / surgery
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Salivary Gland Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Salivary Gland Neoplasms / surgery