Percutaneous radiofrequency parotid ablation in patients diagnosed with Warthin tumor

• Grant number: 24/13864-8
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: May 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Radiology
• Principal Investigator: Giovanni Guido Cerri
• Grantee: Giovanni Guido Cerri
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Bárbara dos Santos Nunes ; Marcio dos Santos Meira

Abstract

Warthin's tumors are the second most common cause of benign salivary gland tumors. These are almost exclusive tumors of the parotid gland. The larger the tumor, the greater the risk of surgery-related facial nerve damage, in addition to the cosmetic impact, significant facial asymmetry and compressive symptoms, as well as the increased risk of sialadenitis, that is, infection of the salivary glands. Currently, the treatment considered the gold standard is surgical resection, whether total parotidectomy, partial resection including the entire superficial lobe (superficial parotidectomy) or tumor enucleation. Superficial parotidectomy is the most widely used modality, however, even in experienced hands, there is a risk of injury to the facial nerve. Reported incidence rates of temporary facial paralysis in parotid surgery can be as high as 60%. Consequently, some surgeons prefer to perform active surveillance or treat these tumors with more conservative resections. In this scenario, ultrasound-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation may be a promising alternative. The present study will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this treatment method, using microbubble ultrasound contrast for pre-, immediately post- and 12-month follow-up evaluation of these patients. (AU)