Necrosis of a Warthin's tumor following fine needle aspiration
Kern, S.B.
Acta Cytologica 32(2): 207-208
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-5547 PMID: 3348060 Document Number: 318442
Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of a parotid mass demonstrated features diagnostic of a Warthin's tumor. Resection of the mass six weeks later yielded a necrotic nodule lacking distinguishing characteristics. This case illustrates infarction of the target lesion, a rare complication of FNA biopsy of salivary gland neoplasms. Correlation of the histology with the cytology will prevent diagnostic difficulties in such instances. Hemorrhage and necrosis following fine needle aspiration (FNA) of thyroid nodules and lymph nodes have been reported to complicate interpretation of surgical biopsies on rare occasions. This report describes our experience with necrosis of a Warthin's tumor of the parotid gland following FNA biopsy.