Professor Doctor Tran Phan Chung Thuy, Director of the Ear, Nose, and Throat Center at Tam Anh General Hospital, examined Mr. The and noted a tumor measuring approximately 3x6 cm with limited mobility. Doppler ultrasound of the patient's neck revealed an abnormal lesion in the left parotid gland; however, fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology results indicated a benign Warthin's tumor (parotid gland tumor).

Mr. The underwent surgery to remove the tumor using an AI-powered microsurgical microscope. Before the operation, AI analyzed image data and created a 3D map displayed on screen, assisting doctors in real-time comparison of anatomical structures during the procedure. During surgery, the microsurgical microscope integrated a specialized fluorescence module, which aided in clear visualization of blood vessels.

Professor Chung Thuy carefully lifted the posterior border of the parotid gland forward, then dissected the facial nerve away from the tumor and surrounding glandular tissue, preventing damage and the risk of facial paralysis. The team accessed deeper, discovering the tumor located beneath the superficial lobe, extending into the deep lobe of the parotid gland, measuring approximately 6x4 cm with clear boundaries. The team removed the superficial lobe and a portion of the deep lobe of the parotid gland, extracting the entire tumor for pathological examination. The final results reconfirmed the diagnosis of a benign Warthin's tumor.

Professor Chung Thuy (seated) uses an AI-powered microsurgical microscope to operate on Mr. The. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Post-surgery, Mr. The recovered well, was discharged after four days, and experienced no complications such as facial paralysis, hematoma, or infection. Follow-up examinations showed the surgical wound healing well.

Warthin's tumor is the second most common benign tumor of the parotid gland, after pleomorphic adenoma. It commonly affects older men and is linked to smoking; some cases involve both parotid glands. Typical symptoms include a swelling in the jaw angle that develops slowly and is painless.

According to Professor Chung Thuy, when small blood vessels within the tumor rupture or tumor tissue necroses, forming fluid, the tumor can rapidly increase in volume over a short period, even though the cellular nature remains unchanged and is not related to malignancy.

Surgical removal of the tumor or a portion of the parotid gland remains the primary treatment for Warthin's tumor. This is because, in some cases, imaging and fine needle aspiration cytology cannot completely rule out the possibility of misdiagnosis with other types of tumors, and surgery also helps prevent recurrence.

Individuals experiencing swelling in the jaw angle or parotid region, especially if it increases rapidly in size, should seek timely check-ups, diagnosis, and treatment at a medical facility with an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialty.

Uyen Trinh