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Malignant thyroid lymphoma presenting as acute airway obstruction
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, Virginia.
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal
|August 1, 1992
Summary
Malignant thyroid lymphoma, a rare thyroid cancer, often affects elderly women, presenting as a rapidly growing mass. This study highlights unusual cases with acute airway obstruction, emphasizing the need for prompt diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Malignant thyroid lymphoma is a rare thyroid malignancy, predominantly affecting elderly women.
- It often presents as a rapidly enlarging neck mass, potentially causing tracheal deviation.
Observation:
- Radioisotopic thyroid scans typically show decreased uptake ('cold' or 'cool' nodules).
- An underlying lymphocytic thyroiditis is frequently observed.
- One case mimicked a prevertebral space abscess radiographically.
Findings:
- Unfavorable prognostic factors include extracapsular extension, vascular invasion, diffuse pattern, and lymph node metastasis.
- The study presents two rare cases of thyroid lymphoma causing acute airway obstruction.
Implications:
- Early recognition of thyroid lymphoma is crucial, especially in cases presenting with acute airway compromise.
- Understanding prognostic indicators aids in patient management and treatment strategies for this uncommon thyroid cancer.