Usefulness of ultrasonography for diagnosis of malignant lymphoma of the thyroid

Background: Recent developments in ultrasonography (US) and the prevalence of ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (US-FNAB) has enabled physicians to detect and diagnosis thyroid diseases, including thyroid malignant lymphoma, much more easily. Methods: We describe our diagnostic strategy for malignant lymphoma on US screening. We screened possible malignant lymphoma patients by US characteristics such as enhanced posterior echoes. Results: Among 170 patients suspected of malignant lymphoma between 2000 and 2004, 74 (43.5%) were also diagnosed as having or suspected of lymphoma by US-FNAB. Five patients dropped out, and 67 of 69 patients who underwent surgical examination were pathologically diagnosed as having lymphoma. Finally, 79 (47.9%) of 165 US-suspected patients were confirmed as having lymphoma. Only 21.5% of lymphoma patients complained of rapidly growing goiter. Conclusion: US screening for goiters contributes markedly to diagnosis of lymphoma at an early phase, facilitating early initiation of therapy.