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:
This page last revised 28.4.2006.
©SMUHT/PW Bishop