Evaluation of Outcomes following Radiofrequency Ablation for Treatment of Parotid Tail Warthin Tumors

Purpose: To evaluate efficacy and safety of radiofrequency (RF) ablation for parotid Warthin tumor. Materials and Methods: From September 2016 to August 2017, 7 consecutive patients with biopsy-proven parotid Warthin tumors who did not undergo surgery presented with symptoms or cosmetic concerns and underwent US -guided percutaneous RF ablation treatment. RF ablation procedures were performed using the moving shot technique. US, contrast-enhanced CT, or MR imaging was performed 6-12 months after each procedure. Complications and cosmetic scale improvement after RF ablation`were also evaluated. Results: There was a significant reduction in mean tumor volume from 14.6 cm(3) +/- 13.1 (range, 1.9-35.5 cm(3)) to 0.8 cm(3) +/- 0.5 (range, 0.2-1,54 cm(3)) and a mean cosmetic scale improvement (from 4 to 1) on imaging studies 6-12 months after RF ablation compared with before RF ablation (P <.05). Volume reduction ratios at 1-2 months, 5-6 months, and 10-12 months after RF ablation were 51.2% +/- 18.1%, 87.8% +/- 10.6%, and 94.3% +/- 2.0%. There was no facial nerve injury. One patient with parotitis and hematoma recovered in 1 week. Conclusions: RF ablation using the moving shot technique could be an effective and safe alternative treatment for parotid tail Warthin tumors in patients unsuitable for or unwilling to undergo surgical resection.