[Hyperthyroidism and thyroid carcinoma--coincidence or association?]

In a series of 617 patients undergoing thyroidectomy, 86 cases (13.9%) were identified as having hyperthyroidism. Forty-nine out of these 86 patients suffered from Graves disease. Histopathologic evaluation revealed a low grade papillary thyroid carcinoma in two out of the 86 specimens from the hyperthyroid patients. Therefore, the incidence of malignancy among all our patients with hyperthyroidism is 2.3% and among those with Graves disease is 4.1%. Patients with hyperthyroidism and concurrent nodular or diffuse goiter are at possible risk for thyroid carcinoma. The indication for surgical resection is given in these cases where the success of thyroistatic treatment is low and where patients are at higher risk for thyroid malignancy. In a short review of the literature, we discuss the coincidence of the two pathologic entities and their possible association.