The Relationship of Lymphocytic Thyroiditis to the Development of Thyroid Carcinoma

There are many reported predisposing factors for thyroid papillary carcinoma, including genetic factors [1] previous irradiation [2,3], abnormal iodine intake [4-6], hyperthyroidism [7], pregnancy [8], and a dyshormonogenetic state [9]. However, whether there is a causative link between lymphocytic thyroiditis and thyroid papillary carcinoma remains controversial. Most reports indicating some association have suffered from methodologic problems. In particular, race, age, and sex differences in susceptibility to chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis and thyroid cancer have not been well-controlled in previous studies. We have therefore carefully evaluated previous studies and tried to determine if there is a definite relation between lymphocytic thyroiditis and thyroid papillary carcinoma histo-pathologically.