Small cell tumors of the thyroidA clinicopathologic study

Abstract

Fourteen cases of small cell tumors of the thyroid gland were seen at the University of Michigan Medical Center from 1932 to 1969. Nine were identified as reticulum cell sarcomas. Although the microscopic patterns in these were similar to those in the literature describing small cell carcinomas of the thyroid, four of seven patients who were treated with resection and radiation were apparently cured. No useful purpose was found for classifying tumors as small cell carcinomas. Two cases with lymphocytic lymphomas were also apparently cured by radiation, treatment. In three patients, the primary thyroid cancers were Burkitt's lymphomas. These went unrecognized during life and were also treated with radiation therapy; no patient survived longer than 8 months. Since cyclophosphamide may be more efficacious than radiation therapy for Burkitt's lymphoma, recognition of this lesion is of practical importance.