Question

What is the most effective treatment for a Warthin's tumor?

• A. Superficial parotidectomy
• B. Deep parotidectomy
• C. Enucleation
• D. Radiotherapy

Hint:

Warthin's tumor arises in the tail of the superficial parotid lobe.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Warthin's tumor is a benign, often bilateral parotid tumour that classically sits in the tail of the superficial lobe. Let's check each option against that fact.

1. Superficial parotidectomy: removes the whole superficial lobe with a margin around the tumour and protects the facial nerve. Since the tumour is superficial, this operation clears it completely.
2. Deep parotidectomy: targets tumours below the facial nerve in the deep lobe, which is not where this tumour is found.
3. Enucleation: shells out the lump without a tissue margin, raising the risk of leaving tumour cells behind.
4. Radiotherapy: is not used to treat this benign tumour, since surgery alone removes it completely.

Because Warthin's tumor sits in the superficial lobe and is benign, complete surgical removal with a margin, done through superficial parotidectomy, is both curative and standard.

Let's summarize:

• Warthin's tumor arises in the superficial parotid lobe, often at the tail.
• Superficial parotidectomy clears it fully while sparing the facial nerve.

The correct answer is superficial parotidectomy.