[Malignant lymphoma of the thyroid]

Abstract

Primary malignant lymphoma of thyroid is frequently associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and it is usually non-Hodgkin type. Thyroid lymphoma is common in women and the mean age at onset is 60 years old. The main symptom is rapidly growing goiter. The majority of histopathologic types are extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and mixed type of above two. If the findings on ultrasonography and fine needle aspiration cytology are suspected thyroid lymphoma, histopathological diagnosis of tissue obtaining from open biopsy is necessary. The treatment for thyroid lymphoma consists of chemotherapy (CHOP), rituximab combined with CHOP, and radiation therapy. It is selected based on the histopathologic type and the extent of disease. The prognosis depends on the histopathologic type and the staging. It should be recognized that early diagnosis and correct treatment lead to favorable prognosis.