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Updated: May 29, 2026
06:15
Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus
Published on: March 6, 2019
Progressive respiratory distress due to neck mass
Raquel F D van la Parra1, Jan Kroeze, Jos van Die
1Gelderse Vallei Hospital, Surgery, Willy Brandtlaan 10, Ede, 6710HN, The Netherlands.
BMJ Case Reports
|September 16, 2011
Summary
A rare primary thyroid lymphoma caused severe airway compression in an 80-year-old woman. Prompt diagnosis and chemotherapy rapidly reduced the tumor, restoring the patient's airway.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Massive anterior neck masses can cause critical airway compromise.
- Thyroid gland enlargement is a common cause of neck masses.
- Primary thyroid lymphoma is an uncommon diagnosis presenting as a thyroid mass.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of primary thyroid lymphoma presenting with airway obstruction.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and treatment of this rare condition.
Main Methods:
- Case report of an 80-year-old female with respiratory distress.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan for neck mass evaluation.
- Surgical resection (hemithyroidectomy) and histopathological analysis.
- Chemotherapy with prednisone and vincristine for tumor reduction.
Main Results:
- Histopathology revealed primary thyroid lymphoma, not a typical thyroid adenoma or carcinoma.
- Treatment with prednisone and vincristine led to rapid tumor volume reduction.
- Significant improvement in airway patency and resolution of respiratory distress.
Conclusions:
- Primary thyroid lymphoma is a rare but critical diagnosis that can mimic other thyroid pathologies.
- Early diagnosis and prompt chemotherapy are essential for managing airway compromise and improving outcomes.
- Multidisciplinary management is crucial for patients with primary thyroid lymphoma.
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