Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection within a Warthin Tumor: A Case Report and Literature Review

CONTEXT: The co-existence of tuberculosis and a Warthin tumor in the parotid gland is extremely rare. CASE REPORT: A 46-year-old male presented with a mass in the left parotid region of 6-month duration. The patient's history was only remarkable for a facial swelling, night sweats and a 38.5 C° fever. A 2 × 3-cm mobile, non-tender, mass with a smooth surface was palpated on left parotid tail. CT examination showed a well-defined 30 mm in diameter tumor mass in the left superficial lobe of the parotid gland. A superficial parotidectomy was performed. The final pathological diagnosis of the parotidectomy specimen was reported as a Warthin tumor and epitheloid granulomas with caseification necrosis. Purified protein derivative (PPD) was 30 mm in enduration. Two weeks after the antituberculosis treatment fever declined to normal values and night sweats decreased. CONCLUSION: Tuberculosis can also be seen in parotid tumors which can coexist or mimic pleomorphic adenoma, Warthin tumor.