Warthin Tumor Percentage of Salivary Gland Tumors
Warthin tumor accounts for approximately 4-13% of all salivary gland tumors, though this percentage varies significantly by institution and population studied, with some centers reporting rates as high as 30%. 1, 2, 3
Epidemiologic Data by Study Population
The reported percentage of Warthin tumors among salivary gland neoplasms shows considerable geographic and institutional variation:
- Standard reported range: 4-13% of all salivary gland tumors 2
- High-incidence populations: Up to 30% of primary parotid gland tumors in certain U.S. populations (specifically central Pennsylvania) 3
- Among parotid tumors specifically: Warthin tumor represents the second most common benign parotid neoplasm after pleomorphic adenoma 1, 2
Important Clinical Context
The dramatically higher percentages (23-30%) reported in some U.S. studies correlate strongly with smoking prevalence in those populations. 4, 3 In one institutional series, 94% of Warthin tumor patients had tobacco use history compared to only 60% of patients with other salivary gland tumor types 4. This suggests that population-specific smoking rates significantly influence the relative frequency of Warthin tumors.
Site-Specific Considerations
- Parotid gland location: Warthin tumor almost exclusively arises in the parotid gland 1, 2
- Minor salivary gland occurrence: Extremely rare at only 0.1-1.2% of cases 2
- Submandibular or cervical lymph node: Very infrequent at 0.4-6.9% and 8% respectively 2
Demographic Patterns
The traditional male predominance has evolved over recent decades, with contemporary series showing no significant sex predominance in some populations (22 males vs 20 females in one series) 3. The mean age at diagnosis is 62 years, with rare presentation (<6%) before age 40 2.
Multiplicity Features
- Multicentric disease: Occurs in 12-20% of patients 2
- Bilateral involvement: Present in 5-14% of cases 2
These multiplicity rates are clinically relevant when counseling patients and planning surveillance imaging strategies.