# Conservative Management of Primary Thyroid Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) Lymphoma: A Case Report and Review of Multidisciplinary Approach

## TL;DR

A rare thyroid lymphoma case is described, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and conservative treatment for good outcomes.

## Contribution

The paper presents a novel case of primary thyroid MALT lymphoma managed conservatively with successful follow-up.

## Key findings

- Primary thyroid MALT lymphoma was diagnosed in a patient with multinodular goitre and hypothyroidism.
- Conservative management without additional therapy led to no recurrence over one year.
- Multidisciplinary review was crucial in determining the treatment approach.

## Abstract

Primary thyroid mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is a rare condition. It often progresses slowly and has subtle symptoms. This condition is usually linked with chronic thyroiditis.

We present the case of a 70-year-old man who experienced progressive dysphagia and neck swelling for six months. He was found to have a large multinodular goitre and background hypothyroidism. Despite a fine-needle aspiration that did not provide a diagnosis, doctors decided to perform surgery because of his compressive symptoms. Histopathology showed extranodal marginal zone MALT lymphoma alongside chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. Postoperative PET/CT and bone marrow tests revealed no signs of systemic involvement. After a review by a multidisciplinary tumor board, the patient was treated conservatively without additional therapy. He showed no signs of recurrence during the one-year follow-up.

This case highlights the diagnostic challenges and underscores the importance of considering MALT lymphoma when evaluating goitre. It also demonstrates that individualized, conservative management guided by a multidisciplinary team can lead to excellent outcomes in localized disease.