Abstract

FONSECA, Catarina  and  MORA, Patrícia. Tumor de Warthin: um caso clínico que revela a importância da relação médico-doenteWarthin’s tumor: a clinical case that demonstrates the importance of doctor-patient relationship. Rev Port Med Geral Fam [online]. 2019, vol.35, n.1, pp.68-72. ISSN 2182-5173.  https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v35i1.11943.

Introduction: Early detection and investigation of neck masses are crucial for the reduction of associated morbility and mortality, as the differential diagnosis includes several diseases with different treatment and prognosis. There are multiple factors that lead to a later diagnosis of tumors. A trust-based relationship established over time, grounded on a doctor-patient effective communication, facilitates the disclosure and explanation of the signs and symptoms identified by patients. Case description: Female, 57 years-old, had a left neck mass for two years, with progressive growth, having reached dimensions that caused aesthetic changes leading to both physical and emotional discomfort. As feeling ashamed and lacked the confidence to show it, the patient omitted the existence of this injury. Urgent ultrasound was requested and showed features suggestive of proliferative process and the patient was immediately referred for maxillofacial surgery consultation. Fine needle puncture-aspiration diagnosed a Warthin’s tumor. She underwent total left parotidectomy, and a favourable prognosis was confirmed. Comments: The patient plays often a key role in the identification of the initial symptom or signal. The attitudes taken after this identification can be crucial, especially when a tumor is suspected. The clinical case described is relevant not only because of the rarity of this pathology, but also because it highlights the role of the family doctor and the doctor-patient relationship in monitoring the patient’s health, allowing a timely intervention and an appropriate approach to the problems. In the case described, the trust-based relationship with the family doctor allowed the disclosure of this physical change, which required urgent diagnostic intervention.

Keywords : Salivary gland neoplasms; Warthin tumour; Communication; Trust.

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