What is a key characteristic of Warthin tumor during clinical examination?

A key characteristic of Warthin tumor, also known as papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum, is that it is typically excised and unlikely to recur after surgical removal. This benign salivary gland tumor is known for having a low rate of malignancy and recurrence, which is a significant aspect of its clinical management.

When patients undergo surgical excision, successful removal generally leads to a favorable prognosis, which is why the surgical approach is often curative. In clinical practice, this feature is reassuring for both the patient and clinician, as it allows for a definitive treatment option that is effective with minimal long-term consequences.

The other options reflect attributes that do not commonly pertain to Warthin tumors. For instance, pain is not typically a prominent feature, as these tumors are usually asymptomatic unless they grow large enough to cause discomfort. They exhibit benign behavior rather than aggressive characteristics, and their occurrence is balanced between genders, making them not particularly more common in women. Thus, the likelihood of recurrence and the approach surrounding surgical excision underpin the correct understanding of Warthin tumor management.