Diffuse large B cell lymphoma of thyroid as a masquerader of anaplastic carcinoma of thyroid, diagnosed by FNA: a case report
2006

Thyroid Lymphoma Misdiagnosed as Anaplastic Carcinoma

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Daneshbod Yahya, Omidvari Shapour, Daneshbod Khosrow, Negahban Shahrzad, Dehghani Mehdi

Primary Institution: Dr. Daneshbod Pathology Laboratory, Shiraz, Iran

Conclusion

The study highlights the importance of immunocytochemistry in differentiating between high-grade thyroid lymphoma and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma due to their overlapping cytologic features.

Supporting Evidence

  • The patient initially diagnosed with anaplastic carcinoma was found to have diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
  • Immunocytochemical studies showed positive B cell markers and negative cytokeratin.
  • The tumor completely resolved after two courses of chemotherapy.

Takeaway

A 70-year-old man thought to have a serious thyroid cancer actually had a treatable type of lymphoma, showing that doctors need to be careful when diagnosing.

Methodology

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) and immunocytochemical studies were performed to differentiate between anaplastic carcinoma and lymphoma.

Limitations

The study is based on a single case report, which may not be generalizable.

Participant Demographics

One 70-year-old male patient.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1742-6413-3-23

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication