Thyroid lesions in patients with hyperparathyroidism

Twenty of ninety patients with hyperparathyroidism had associated pathology of the thyroid gland. Three carcinomas of the thyroid were found incidentally at the time of surgery for hyperparathyroidism. The association of thyroid lesions and hyperparathyroidism was frequently reported and explained previously on the basis of hypercalcemia acting as a goitrogen. Current evidence, however, suggests radiation as a strong probable factor in the production of this association. Attention should be given to the thyroid gland and of dominant nodules inspected. Concomitant management of those nodules according to the degree of suspicion they arouse, should be undertaken at the time of neck exploration for hyperparathyroidism.