Molecular characterization of Warthin tumor

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Pathology

Background:

• Warthin tumor is a benign salivary gland neoplasm.
• It is characterized by oncocytic epithelium and a lymphoid infiltrate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the clonality of the lymphoid infiltrate in Warthin tumors.
• To determine if the lymphoid component is monoclonal or polyclonal.

Main Methods:

• DNA was extracted from 20 Warthin tumor samples.
• Polymerase chain reaction was used to assess B-cell and T-cell clonality.

Main Results:

• No dominant clonal populations were found.
• Minor clonal expansions of B and T cells were detected in 50% of tumors.
• Epstein-Barr virus DNA was present in 95% of tumors.

Conclusions:

• The lymphoid infiltrate in Warthin tumors is predominantly polyclonal.
• Oligoclonal expansions of B and T cells can occur in some cases.