Diagnosis methods and treatment strategy for primary thyroid lymphoma: a retrospective analysis of 41 cases in China

Primary thyroid lymphoma (PTL) is a rare malignant tumor. It can manifest as a rapidly growing mass and produce various compression symptoms. However, PTL is easily missed or misdiagnosed for the lack of standardized diagnostic methods. Therefore, it is very necessary to analyze the diagnosis methods and treatment strategy of PTL to clarify the guide of diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed PTL patients to determine their clinical, ultrasound and histological features. Forty-one PTL cases were analyzed. The pathological results of all cases were B-cell-derived non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. In these patients, 12 were mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphomas, and 24 were diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. Through the analysis of the clinical, ultrasonographic and histological features of 41 patients with PTL, and the discussion of treatment strategies, we support that middle-aged women with a history of Hashimoto's thyroiditis should pay more attention to the possibility of PTL if they have a swelling neck. Thyroid function tests and neck ultrasound are routine examinations. Core biopsy is an important diagnostic method. PTL treatment is mainly based on radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and surgery is not the first choice.