THYROID LUMPS Flashcards
What condition should arouse suspicion of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma in the thyroid?
The presence of a new thyroid mass on a background of longstanding Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition that can lead to thyroid malignancies.
In which demographic is thyroid MALT lymphoma more commonly found?
Females between 65 and 75 years old
Thyroid MALT lymphoma is rare overall but has a higher incidence in this age group.
What are typical symptoms of thyroid MALT lymphoma?
Neck lump without typical ‘B’ symptoms such as fever, night sweats, and weight loss
Compression symptoms like dysphagia and dyspnoea may also be reported.
How is the diagnosis of thyroid MALT lymphoma confirmed?
Ultrasound scan and fine-needle aspiration cytology
These diagnostic tools help in identifying the characteristics of the thyroid mass.
What is anaplastic thyroid carcinoma?
A rare subtype of thyroid cancer that manifests as a rapidly enlarging neck mass
It usually presents with compression symptoms and is not associated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
What characterizes Riedel’s thyroiditis?
Replacement of normal thyroid parenchyma by dense fibrotic tissue extending beyond the thyroid capsule
This results in a hard ‘woody’ thyroid gland and associated compression symptoms.
What is the pyramidal thyroid lobe?
A normal anatomic variant seen in 10-30% of the population, arising from the isthmus
It is generally asymptomatic and often found incidentally on ultrasound.
What are toxic adenomas?
Functioning thyroid nodules that autonomously secrete thyroxine
They usually manifest in symptoms of thyrotoxicosis.
What is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
An autoimmune disorder of the thyroid gland.
What is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis typically associated with?
Hypothyroidism.
What may occur in the acute phase of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
Transient thyrotoxicosis.
In which gender is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis more common?
Women.
How much more common is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in women compared to men?
10 times more common.
What are the features of hypothyroidism in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
Goitre: firm, non-tender.
What antibodies are associated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
- Anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies
- Anti-thyroglobulin (Tg) antibodies
What other autoimmune conditions are associated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
- Coeliac disease
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus
- Vitiligo
What type of lymphoma is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis associated with?
MALT lymphoma.
