Thyroid Lymphoma: Case Series Review

Abstract

Background Primary thyroid lymphoma (PTL) is a rare malignancy accounting for about 5% of all thyroid malignancies and less than 2% of extra-nodal lymphomas. Diffuse B-cell lymphoma is the most common pathological subtype of PTL. Patients and methods This is a retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with thyroid lymphoma in our hospital during the period from 2011 to 2021. All patients had clinical, radiological, and pathological evaluation. We have followed up these patients since diagnosis till now. Results Eight patients were included in our review. Four patients were males and four were females. Mean age at diagnosis was 63 ± 32 years of age. Diagnosis was confirmed only with tissue histology. Six patients had stage IIE disease and two had stage IVE disease. Four patients had disease related mortality. Of the other four patients, two had chemotherapy (RCHOP) and one had local radiotherapy; all achieved complete remission, and the last one had hemithyroidectomy to relieve airway compression and still under treatment. Conclusion Primary thyroid lymphoma is rare malignancy of the thyroid gland. Advanced stage and age at the time of diagnosis, the presence of compression manifestations, large tumor mass, and presence of distant metastasis, all are poor prognostic criteria. Our knowledge of the disease pathology, diagnosis, and management is still limited and more research studies are required.