New insights into the nature of Warthin's tumour

ID O'Neill - Journal of oral pathology & medicine, 2009 - Wiley Online Library
ID O'Neill
Journal of oral pathology & medicine, 2009Wiley Online Library
Warthin's tumour is considered heterogeneous as to its pathogenesis with some data
supporting a polyclonal origin for the epithelium, implying a non‐neoplastic nature. After
inconsistent reports, current information from molecular studies suggests that a recurrent t
(11; 19) and associated CRTC1‐MAML2 fusion oncogene characterizes a subset of
Warthin's tumours and supports a clonal origin in such cases. CRTC1‐MAML2 is also a
frequent feature of mucoepidermoid carcinoma. These findings, and the recent reports of …
Warthin’s tumour is considered heterogeneous as to its pathogenesis with some data supporting a polyclonal origin for the epithelium, implying a non‐neoplastic nature. After inconsistent reports, current information from molecular studies suggests that a recurrent t(11;19) and associated CRTC1‐MAML2 fusion oncogene characterizes a subset of Warthin’s tumours and supports a clonal origin in such cases. CRTC1‐MAML2 is also a frequent feature of mucoepidermoid carcinoma. These findings, and the recent reports of Warthin’s tumour and co‐existent mucoepidermoid carcinoma with common CRTC1‐MAML2 expression, provide a morphological and molecular framework for future studies as a basis for a fresh appraisal of the pathogenesis of Warthin’s tumour. The underlying molecular basis and the pivotal studies defining such events are discussed.
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