Progressive respiratory distress due to neck mass

BMJ Case Rep. 2009:2009:bcr11.2008.1193. doi: 10.1136/bcr.11.2008.1193. Epub 2009 Sep 15.

Abstract

The present report describes the case of an 80-year-old woman who presented at the emergency department with progressive respiratory distress caused by a massive anterior neck mass with tracheal deviation and compression. A CT scan showed diffuse enlargement of the thyroid gland. The patient underwent a left-sided hemithyroidectomy. Pathology unexpectedly revealed a primary thyroid lymphoma. Treatment with prednisone and vincristine was initiated to reduce tumour size and preserve the airway, resulting in rapid volume reduction and airway expansion. Primary thyroid lymphoma is a rare entity that requires adequate diagnosis and rapid initiation of treatment to reduce tumour volume and to prevent airway compromise.