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An association between acromegaly and thyroid carcinoma
1Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Lahey Clinic Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts 01805, USA.
Thyroid : Official Journal of the American Thyroid Association
|February 1, 1995
Summary
Patients with acromegaly have a higher risk of developing thyroid cancer. Elevated growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels may promote thyroid malignancy in these individuals.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
Background:
- Acromegaly, a disorder of excess growth hormone, is linked to thyroid abnormalities, including tumors.
- Previous reports documented thyroid carcinoma in acromegaly patients, but prevalence data is limited.
Observation:
- This study presents a third case of thyroid carcinoma in a cohort of 100 acromegaly patients, indicating a higher-than-expected incidence.
- All observed thyroid carcinomas were multifocal, suggesting a systemic predisposition to malignancy.
Findings:
- Patients diagnosed with thyroid carcinoma exhibited elevated levels of growth hormone and somatomedin-C (insulin-like growth factor-1, IGF-1).
- Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) plays a significant role in thyroid cell proliferation and growth, both benign and malignant.
- Thyroid cells express IGF-1 receptors, and IGF-1 can be secreted locally, influencing thyroid tissue.
Implications:
- The findings suggest a potential mechanism linking IGF-1 signaling to thyroid cancer development in acromegaly.
- Physicians treating acromegaly patients should be vigilant for thyroid abnormalities and consider screening for thyroid carcinoma.