Thyroid lymphoma

Lymphomas account for less than 5% of thyroid neoplasms, 2.5% of all lymphomas and 7.5% of extra-nodal lymphomas.

Most cases are associated with lymphocytic thyroiditis. There is a female predominance.

• DLBCL: accounts for 50-80% of thyroid lymphomas. These are more aggressive, with a five-year survival of 40-70%.

• Extranodal marginal zone lymphoma: accounts for 20-30% of thyroid lymphomas. These are indolent with five-year survival of 60-100%.

• Follicular lymphoma: accounts for 10% of thyroid lymphomas.

The differentiation of follicular lymphoma (with lymphoepithelial lesions) from MALT lymphoma (with follicular colonization) may be problematic.

Rare thyroid lymphomas include:

• Plasmacytoma

• Burkitt lymphoma

• Small lymphocytic lymphoma

• Anaplastic large cell lymphoma

• Peripheral T-cell lymphoma

References

1 Campo E, Chott A, Kinney MC, et al. Update on extranodal lymphomas. Conclusions of the Workshop held by the EAHP and the SH in Thessaloniki, Greece. Histopathology 2006; 48:481-504

This page last revised 28.4.2006.

©SMUHT/PW Bishop