Cytologic features of mixed papillary carcinoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma of the thyroid gland

We report a case of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma of the thyroid gland. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such case to be reported in the cytology literature. An 81-year-old male with known CLL presented for routine physical examination and was found to have a left-sided thyroid nodule. Thyroid ultrasound showed a calcified nodule. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was performed and revealed PTC and an atypical lymphoid infiltrate that was suspicious for lymphoma. A partial thyroidectomy was performed and confirmed PTC with concurrent gland involvement by chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:813-817. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: Diagnostic Cytopathology)