Primary Thyroid Lymphoma- a Close Association with Hashimotto's Thyroiditis

Abstract

PTL or Primary Thyroid Lymphoma is uncommon but potentially life threatening disorder of thyroid gland. The likelihood that a thyroid nodule turns out to be lymphoma is less than 1 in 1000, whereas secondary involvement of thyroid with generalized lymphoma occurs in 10% of patients who die of the disease. Despite the relative rarity, the incidence of PTL is increasing and now it constitutes 5% of all thyroid malignancies.

Here, we report a case of PTL who was being treated for chronic autoimmune lymphocytic thyroiditis with little response. 2 years later, sudden increase in size of the tumour leads her to consult the surgeon to get operated. The growth turned out to be Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma post operatively after histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry.