Thyrotoxicosis and thyroid cancer: a report on eight operated cases

Eight cases of hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer, representing 0.96% of overall hyperfunctioning thyroid diseases (835), surgically treated are reported. Clinical and pathological data, and type of treatment are summarized. The etiopathogenic hypotheses about possible relations between thyrotoxicosis and thyroid cancer are discussed. In the presence of thyrotoxicosis, preoperative diagnosis of thyroid cancer is rather difficult, but awareness of the potential association and careful examination of any suspect nodularity make it possible to recognize minimal malignant foci and adequately treat them with total thyroidectomy and, when required, modified neck dissection.