Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026
05:39
Spontaneous Murine Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Published on: February 3, 2023
Thyroid cancer in patients with acromegaly: a case-control study
Maíra Cristina Carvalho dos Santos1, Gilvan Cortês Nascimento, Ana Gisélia Cortês Nascimento
1Endocrinology Unit, Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA), Maranhão, Brazil.
Pituitary
|April 25, 2012
Summary
Acromegaly patients show a significantly higher prevalence of thyroid cancer compared to controls. Routine thyroid screening, including ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration biopsy, is recommended for individuals with acromegaly.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Acromegaly is linked to increased tumor risk, but thyroid cancer prevalence remains unclear.
- Goiters are common in acromegaly, yet cancer rates are uncertain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of thyroid cancer in acromegalic patients.
- Compare thyroid cancer rates in acromegaly patients versus a control group.
Main Methods:
- Morphological, cytological, and histological thyroid analysis.
- Compared 124 acromegalic patients (≥18 years) with 263 matched controls.
- Utilized thyroid ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB).
Main Results:
- Thyroid cancer found in 7.2% of acromegaly patients (9/36) versus 0.7% in controls (2/13).
- Odds ratio for thyroid cancer in acromegaly patients was 10.21 (p=0.0011).
- Significant increase in thyroid cancer prevalence among acromegalic individuals.
Conclusions:
- Acromegaly is associated with a statistically significant increased prevalence of thyroid cancer.
- Routine thyroid ultrasound and FNAB for nodules are recommended for acromegaly patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction
Hyperthyroidism is a type of thyrotoxicosis characterized by the thyroid gland's overproduction of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This hormone excess increases the basal metabolic rate and enhances sensitivity to catecholamines.DiagnosisDiagnosis is based on clinical features and biochemical testing. It typically shows suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels below 0.4 mIU/L, with elevated free T3 and/or T4. Additional tests, including thyroid...
01:24Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...
01:28Graves' Disease I: Introduction
Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, or overactivity of the thyroid gland. It results from autoantibodies called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs), which bind to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors, leading to overstimulation of hormone production and a hypermetabolic state.EtiologyAlthough considered idiopathic, Graves’ disease has well-established contributing factors. There is a strong genetic component, with increased prevalence in...
01:27Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...
01:27Goiter
Goiter refers to an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland that may appear as a diffuse goiter (uniform enlargement) or nodular (single or multiple nodules). Functionally, it is classified as nontoxic (normal/low hormone levels) or toxic (excess hormone production).PathophysiologyDiffuse thyroid enlargement typically results from prolonged stimulation by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) or TSH-like agents, commonly seen in hypothyroidism or iodine deficiency. In contrast, in hyperthyroid...
01:23Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hypothyroidism is a disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy balance, and multiple organ systems.TypesHypothyroidism is classified based on the level of dysfunction. Primary hypothyroidism results from intrinsic thyroid gland dysfunction, causing reduced hormone production despite normal or increased stimulation. Secondary hypothyroidism arises from inadequate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion by the pituitary. Tertiary...