Ultrasound-guided ethanol sclerotherapy for non-surgical treatment of Warthin's tumor.

BACKGROUND

Currently, the first line treatment for Warthin's tumor (WT) is parotidectomy. There is a paucity of data evaluating the safety and efficacy of non-surgical treatments for patients not amenable to surgery. Ultrasound guided ethanol sclerotherapy (UGES) has been successfully used for the management of lymphangiomans of the head and neck, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cysts. This is the first study to implement and assess the success of UGES for management of WT.

METHODS

We report two patients with WT, with a total of 3 masses, who underwent UGES. All procedures were performed in the clinic. The primary outcome measured was the tumor volume reduction rate (VRR), patient satisfaction, and complications observed at follow-up.

RESULTS

Both patients experienced a significant reduction in tumor size upon follow up. VRR for the three treated tumors were 67.30%, 98.32%, and 55.73%. Patient were very satisfied with the results and noted significant cosmetic improvement. No complications were observed at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound guided ethanol sclerotherapy may be a viable option for conservative treatment of Warthin's tumor in patients unsuitable or unwilling to undergo surgical resection.