Warthin's tumour is not an Epstein-Barr virus related disease.

BACKGROUND

The histogenesis of Warthin's tumour (WT) is controversial. A possible role for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been suggested.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty formaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded blocks of WT from the parotid gland were examined for the presence of EBV. In situ hybridisation was performed using EBV encoded small nuclear RNAs (EBER1/2) probes labelled with fluorescein isothiocyanate. An EBV-positive P3HR-1 cell line processed to paraffin wax was used as a positive control and a brain section as negative control.

RESULTS

EBER1/2 could not be found in the neoplastic epithelial cells in any of the tumours nor in the adjacent normal parotid tissues. Individual positive lymphocytes were present in 7 tumours.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicated that EBV is not involved in the pathogenesis of WT.