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Abstract
Background
Primary thyroid lymphoma (PTL) is rare and diagnosis is challenging.
MethodsWe conducted a multicenter retrospective study of patients with PTL from 1990 to 2023 to determine method of diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.
ResultsThe study cohort included 31 patients with PTL; all had thyroid enlargement; 21 (68 %) had compressive symptoms, 11 (35 %) had hypothyroidism and 3 had (10 %) B symptoms. Diagnosis was established from incisional biopsy in 8 (26 %), needle biopsy in 4 (13 %), excisional lymph node biopsy in 1 (3 %), and thyroidectomy specimens in 18 (58 %). 15 (48 %) patients had Hashimoto thyroiditis. Treatment included chemotherapy in 19 (61 %); surgery alone in 7 (23 %); and radiation alone or with surgery in 5 (16 %) patients. One (3 %) patient recurred, and 4 (13 %) patients died after a median 4.2 years.
ConclusionDiagnosis of PTL was made in only 13 % of patients preoperatively. There may be opportunity for needle biopsy to facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Details
; Heiden, Katherine B 4 ; McHenry, Christopher R 1
1 Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 9501 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA; Department of Surgery, MetroHealth Medical Center, 2500 MetroHealth Dr, Cleveland, OH, 44109, USA
2 Department of Endocrine Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
3 Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 9501 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA; Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
4 Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 9501 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA; Department of Endocrine Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA