Serum Selenium Level in Thyroid Cancer: A Case-Control Study

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Nutritional Science
• Oncology

Background:

• Despite iodine supplementation, thyroid diseases remain prevalent.
• The role of trace elements like selenium in thyroid health requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between serum selenium levels and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).
• To compare selenium levels in patients with PTC, benign thyroid nodules, and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 182 PTC patients, 185 benign nodule patients, and 180 healthy controls.
• Assessment of thyroid function tests and serum selenium levels.
• Statistical analysis using One-way ANOVA and Bonferroni correction.

Main Results:

• Mean serum selenium levels were significantly lower in PTC patients (94.9 µg/l) compared to benign nodule (121.6 µg/l) and control groups (134.3 µg/l).
• Lower selenium levels correlated with advanced cancer stages in PTC patients (P < 0.001).
• Each unit increase in selenium reduced the odds of PTC by approximately 6%.

Conclusions:

• Low serum selenium levels are associated with an increased risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma.
• Serum selenium levels are inversely correlated with the stage of thyroid cancer.