Primary thyroid lymphoma: report of two cases

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Endocrinology
• Hematology

Background:

• Primary thyroid lymphoma is a rare malignancy, with most cases associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
• Common histopathological subtypes include mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
• Treatment typically involves surgery for localized MALT lymphomas and chemotherapy for aggressive types.

Observation:

• This report details two distinct cases of primary thyroid lymphoma without a history of Hashimoto's thyroiditis or MALT subtype.
• Case 1: A 64-year-old woman with bilateral thyroid nodules diagnosed with B-cell follicular lymphoma, treated with subtotal thyroidectomy and radiotherapy.
• Case 2: A 50-year-old man with a left thyroid mass and dyspnea diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, treated with total thyroidectomy and chemotherapy.

Findings:

• Primary thyroid lymphomas exhibit heterogeneous histological and clinical characteristics.
• B-cell follicular lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma represent distinct presentations.
• Treatment strategies must be individualized based on specific subtype and clinical presentation.

Implications:

• Surgical intervention is a viable option for localized, non-aggressive thyroid lymphoma subtypes.
• Adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be required depending on the specific case.
• Further research into the diverse presentations and optimal management of primary thyroid lymphoma is warranted.