Tracheal invasion and perforation from advanced primary thyroid lymphoma: A case report and literature review

Objective

We report a case of an elderly female with primary diffuse large B-cell thyroid lymphoma causing an extensive tracheal defect that was managed expectantly with good results.

Method

Case report

Results

This is the only known reported case of a patient with tracheal invasion and perforation caused by primary thyroid lymphoma who has subsequently survived.

Conclusion

Due to the rarity of invasive primary thyroid lymphoma there is currently no standard surgical management of the airway. We propose that expectant management with temporary airway protection is an alternative to invasive procedures such as tracheotomy or tracheal stent placement, even in the scenario of serious airway defects.