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Hashimoto's thyroiditis with medullary carcinoma
D Gaskin1, S K Parai, M R Parai
1Department of Pathology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's.
Canadian Journal of Surgery. Journal Canadien De Chirurgie
|October 1, 1992
Summary
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is rarely linked to medullary thyroid cancer. This study suggests thyroiditis may develop in response to medullary carcinoma, particularly in families with multiple endocrine neoplasia type II.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- The association between Hashimoto's thyroiditis and certain thyroid cancers like lymphoma and papillary carcinoma is established.
- Reports linking Hashimoto's thyroiditis with medullary thyroid carcinoma are infrequent, especially within the Canadian context.
Observation:
- Three cases of concurrent Hashimoto's thyroiditis and medullary thyroid carcinoma were observed over an 18-month period.
- All patients had a family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type II, a genetic syndrome predisposing to certain tumors.
Findings:
- The observed thyroiditis is hypothesized to be a reactive process secondary to the medullary thyroid carcinoma.
- This challenges the traditional view that thyroiditis might precede or cause thyroid cancer.
Implications:
- These findings suggest a potential etiological relationship where medullary thyroid carcinoma may induce Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this association and its clinical significance in managing patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma and a history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type II.