Clinical features of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis complicated with thyroid carcinoma

Abstract

Objective To analyze the imaging appearance and pathologic diagnosis in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) complicated with thyroid carcinoma (TC) and to explore the diagnosis and surgical treatment. Methods The clinical and pathological data of patients with HT complicated with thyroid carcinoma were reviewed retrospectively. The preoperative US characteristics and postoperative histopathologic features in patients with and without HT were compared. Results The prevalence of TC in the HT patients was 27.0%. In contrast, it was 13.0% in patients without HT (P < 0.01) . The US characteristics of thyroid carcinoma were similar in the group with HT compared with the group without HT. The histopathologic characteristics of thyroid carcinoma in patients with and without HT were compared, there was no significant difference. All patients received surgical treatment. Twenty three patients underwent routine follow-up, and they had no recurrence or metastasis. Conclusions Nodules in patients with HT goiter need close observation of neoplastic changes because HT may predispose to the development of TC. Surgical treatment is effective for patients of HT complicated with TC is effective, and the measures of treatment may be in accordance with the principle of TC without HT. Key words: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis; Thyroid carcinoma; Surgical treatment