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Thyroid lymphoma: acute presentation and long-term outcome

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 August 2011

S E Penney  and
J J Homer
S E Penney*
Affiliation:
University Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK
J J Homer
Affiliation:
University Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Christie Hospital, Manchester, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Miss Susannah Penney, University Dept of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK Fax: +44 (0)161 276 5003 E-mail: susannahpenney@btinternet.com
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Abstract

Background:

Thyroid lymphomas are relatively uncommon. This study aimed to analyse our experience of thyroid lymphoma management and outcome.

Materials and methods:

A retrospective case note analysis of 63 patients treated in the previous 13 years was conducted.

Results:

The five-year survival rate was 68 per cent, with most patients dying of their lymphoma. This is at odds with the British Thyroid Association statement that the prognosis of this condition is ‘generally excellent’. The only presenting symptom found to be significantly associated with prognosis was dysphagia (p = 0.001). Dual modality treatment provided a significantly better outcome than single modality treatment (p = 0.014). Thyroid lymphoma can present to the head and neck surgeon ‘in extremis’; however, it can respond rapidly to appropriate treatment.

Conclusion:

The outcome of thyroid lymphoma seems unrelated to the acuteness of its presentation. Thyroid surgery has no role other than for diagnosis. However, 51 per cent of the study patients underwent some form of thyroidectomy, indicating the need to implement better diagnostic pathways.

Keywords

Thyroid GlandLymphomaPrognosis

Information

Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 125 , Issue 12 , December 2011 , pp. 1256 - 1262
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2011

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