Thyroid lymphoma: A single institution’s experience

18533 Background: Extranodal lymphomas account for a significant proportion of non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. Thyroid lymphoma accounts for <2% of these. Lymphoma represents approximately 2% of all malignant thyroid tumours and is almost always of B-cell lineage. The main presenting symptom is a rapidly enlarging goiter and approximately half present with disease limited to the thyroid gland, designated stage IE. Due to its rarity, there is limited information with regard to prognosis or management. Pre-existing chronic autoimmune (Hashimoto’s) thyroiditis is the only known risk factor. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all cases of thyroid lymphoma found in our institution over a 15 year period (1985–2000). Eleven patients were identified as suitable for analysis. Diagnosis and staging involved a full history and physical examination with relevant serology. Radiological imaging included computerized tomography, plain radiographs and ultrasound. Bone marrow aspirate and biopsy were performed in ten of the pa...