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.


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.
van Heerden
W F
WF
Department of Oral Pathology and Oral Biology, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
Kraft
K
K
Hemmer
J
J
Swart
T J
TJ
van Heerden
M B
MB
van Rensburg
E J
EJ
D000235:Adenolymphoma / Q000821:virology*; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012367:RNA, Viral
D012367:RNA, Viral