Background: The routine use of immunocytochemical analysis has led to the recognition that many thyroid neoplasms previously diagnosed as anaplastic or small cell carcinomas are actually lymphomas of the thyroid. The great majority are B-cell lymphomas which can be associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. In spite of this, thyroid lymphomas are still not commonly recognized as a significant part of thyroid differential diagnosis.
Methods: A rare case of a primary T-cell lymphoma of the thyroid gland is presented along with general clinical history and physical findings which should make the practitioner suspicious of a thyroid lymphoma. The usefulness of radiology scans and fine-needle aspiration are discussed.
Results: Both prognosis and treatment options are very different for thyroid lymphomas and anaplastic carcinoma.
Conclusions: Cyclophosphamide/adriamycin/vincristine/prednisolone chemotherapy/radiotherapy regimens have proven to be very effective for most thyroid lymphomas.