False-positive cytologic findings in Warthin's tumor: a report of two cases

In two adults who smoked cigarettes, fine needle aspiration of a neck mass suggested squamous cell carcinoma. However, both lesions proved to be benign Warthin's tumor with metaplasia of the epithelial lining mimicking squamous cell carcinoma. Several clinical and histologic features can alert the physician to this finding. Awareness of the possibility of a false-positive cytologic report with Warthin's tumor is important for all physicians treating tumors of the head and neck.