Demographics of benign parotid tumours: Warthin's tumour versus other benign salivary tumours.

CONCLUSION: Some variation from the 'classical' clinical picture for Warthin's tumours is evident in these patients. A predilection for the parotid tail and a propensity for multiplicity has been confirmed. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to analyse demographic and clinical features of a Warthin's patient population. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients presenting with a benign parotid tumour. The group of Warthin's tumours was compared with the group of patients with other benign parotid tumours. RESULTS: Of 170 primary parotid tumours, 41 (24%) were Warthin's tumour. Mean age of Warthins patients was significantly older (60 years vs 48 years, p = 0.001) and male gender more prevalent (61% vs 33%, p = 0.015) than in other benign tumours. Most (86%) Warthin's tumours were found in the parotid tail, compared with 61% of other benign tumours (p = 0.002). There was no significant ethnic predilection for Warthin's tumours. Bilaterality (30%) and multiplicity (27%) were common. Significance of gender differences disappeared with logistic regression analysis.