Preoperative Serum Thyroid-stimulating Hormone Research Articles

Clinical and molecular features of progressive papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.

In recent decades, the prevalence of thyroid cancer has risen substantially, with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) constituting over 50% of cases. Although most PTMCs exhibit indolent growth and a favorable prognosis, some present an increased risk of recurrence and an unfavorable prognosis due to high-risk characteristics such as lymph node metastasis, extrathyroidal extension, and distant metastasis. The early identification of clinically progressing PTMC remains elusive. In this review, we summarize findings from PTMC progression-related literature, highlighting that factors such as larger tumor size, cervical lymph node metastasis, extrathyroidal extension, younger age, higher preoperative serum thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, family history, and obesity positively correlate with PTMC progression. The role of multifocality in promoting PTMC progression, however, remains contentious. Furthermore, recent studies have shed light on the impact of mutations, such as BRAF and TERT mutations, on PTMC progression. Researchers have identified several mRNAs, non-coding RNAs, and proteins associated with various features of PTMC progression. Some studies propose that peripheral and tumor tissue-infiltrating immune cells could serve as biomarkers for the clinical progression of PTMC. Collectively, these clinical and molecular features offer a rationale for the early detection and the development of precision theranostic strategies of clinically progressive PTMC.

Correlation analysis of serum thyroglobulin, thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, and thyroid-cancer risk in thyroid nodule surgery.

Thyroglobulin (Tg) is one of the markers of thyroid cancer, and its concentration may be elevated in patients with malignant thyroid tumors. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is secreted by the pituitary gland, which has a significant impact on thyroid gland function. Excessively high or low TSH levels may be associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer. Thus, in-depth studies on the association of serum Tg and TSH levels with thyroid cancer risk in patients with thyroid nodules are warranted. This can help determine whether Tg and TSH levels can predict the degree of malignancy of thyroid nodules, which can in turn guide doctors in making accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions. Furthermore, such studies can provide more accurate diagnostic methods for thyroid nodules and help patients become aware of the presence of thyroid cancer as early as possible, thereby improving the success rate of treatment and prognosis. To investigate the association of serum Tg and TSH levels with the risk of thyroid cancer in patients undergoing thyroid nodule surgery. The clinical data and laboratory examination results of 130 patients who underwent thyroid nodule surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Furthermore, their preoperative serum Tg and TSH levels were recorded. Histopathological examination conducted during follow-up revealed the presence of thyroid cancer. Correlation analysis were used to analyze the association of Tg and TSH levels with the risk of thyroid cancer. Of the 130 patients, 60 were diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Statistical analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between serum Tg levels and the risk of thyroid cancer (P < 0.05). This suggests that high serum Tg levels are associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer. However, no significant correlation was observed between serum TSH levels and the risk of thyroid cancer (P > 0.05). In patients who underwent thyroid nodule surgery, serum Tg levels exhibited a significant correlation with the risk of thyroid cancer but serum TSH levels did not. These findings suggest that serum Tg can serve as an important biomarker for assessing the risk of thyroid cancer in these patients.

Development of a predictive score for post-hemithyroidectomy hypothyroidism using skeletal muscle index, remnant thyroid index, and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels: a retrospective cohort study.

Hypothyroidism is a major complication of hemithyroidectomy. Low remnant thyroid volume and high serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are suggested as risk factors for post-hemithyroidectomy hypothyroidism. Reduced skeletal muscle mass is associated with a variety of postoperative complications. However, its impact on post-hemithyroidectomy hypothyroidism has not yet been studied. This study aimed to evaluate the association between skeletal muscle mass and the onset of post-hemithyroidectomy hypothyroidism and develop a predictive score using skeletal muscle mass in combination with previously reported risk factors. This study retrospectively analyzed 226 consecutive patients who underwent hemithyroidectomy at Shinshu University Hospital between January 2011 and December 2020. The skeletal muscle area at the fourth thoracic vertebral level and maximal remnant thyroid area were quantified using preoperative computed tomography and standardized by dividing them by the square of the patient's height, designated as the skeletal muscle index (SMI) and remnant thyroid volume index (RTI). Subclinical hypothyroidism was defined as a postoperative elevated serum TSH level (>5 µU/mL) with a normal free thyroxine (FT4) level (≥0.9 ng/dL), overt hypothyroidism as a postoperative increase in serum TSH level (>5 µU/mL) and a decrease in serum FT4 level (<0.9 ng/dL), and symptomatic hypothyroidism as an elevated serum TSH level (>5 µU/mL) with hypothyroidism-related symptoms. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with the onset of hypothyroidism. Patients with euthyroid status had significantly higher SMI and RTI than those who developed post-hemithyroidectomy hypothyroidism (SMI, euthyroid: 12.0±2.4 vs. subclinical hypothyroid: 10.2±1.7, P<0.001, euthyroid vs. overt or symptomatic hypothyroid: 10.1±1.7, P<0.001, RTI, euthyroid: 1.19±0.41 vs. subclinical hypothyroid: 0.92±0.35, P<0.001, euthyroid vs. overt or symptomatic hypothyroid: 0.84±0.30, P<0.001). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that low SMI, low RTI [hazard ratio (HR): 3.35, P<0.001], and preoperative high serum TSH levels (HR: 2.54, P=0.003) were independent predictive factors for hypothyroidism. Patients who had low SMI, low RTI, and preoperative high serum TSH levels were more likely to develop hypothyroidism (68.8%) than those with either one (25.3%), two (47.8%), or none (15.2%) of these three factors. Preoperative evaluation of the SMI, RTI, and serum TSH levels may be useful in predicting the development of post-hemithyroidectomy hypothyroidism.

Assessment of Preoperative TSH Serum Level and Thyroid Cancer Occurrence in Patients with AUS/FLUS Thyroid Nodule Diagnosis.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is a growth factor associated with the initiation and progression of well-differentiated thyroid cancer (WDTC). Atypia of undetermined significance and follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) are the most uncertain cytological diagnoses of thyroid nodules. The aim of the study was to determine the association of histopathological diagnosis with preoperative serum TSH levels in patients with AUS/FLUS thyroid nodule diagnosis. Among 5028 individuals with thyroid nodules, 342 (6.8%) with AUS/FLUS diagnoses were analyzed. The frequency of all histopathology diagnoses was assessed for associations with preoperative serum TSH levels. The median TSH concentration was significantly higher in patients with AUS/FLUS diagnosis and histopathology of WDTC than in patients with the same cytology result and histopathology of a benign tumor (p < 0.0001). The diagnostic potential of serum TSH level was determined to evaluate risk of malignancy in patients with thyroid nodules classified into the Bethesda III category. ROC analysis showed the TSH concentration at a cutoff point of 2.5 mIU/L to be an acceptable prognostic factor for WDTC. For this optimal cutoff point, the AUC was 0.877, the sensitivity was 0.830, and the specificity was 0.902. Preoperative serum TSH levels in patients with AUS/FLUS thyroid tumor diagnosis should be taken into consideration in the decision-making process and clinical management.

Differences in Pre-Operative Mean Serum Concentration of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and Free Thyroxin (FT4) in Patients with Benign Thyroid Nodules and Thyroid Carcinoma at Sanglah General Hospital Denpasar

Background: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and Free Thyroxin (FT4) concentration are currently highlighted in their relation to thyroid carcinoma development in thyroid nodule patients. This study aimed to identify the difference in the pre-operative mean serum concentration of TSH and FT4 in patients with benign thyroid nodules and thyroid carcinoma at Sanglah General Hospital Denpasar.Methods: : This study was a case-control study that involved 110 patients with thyroid nodules who underwent thyroidectomy at Sanglah General Hospital from January until December 2019, whose specimens were examined histopathologically at the Anatomical Pathology Laboratory of Sanglah General Hospital. Cases were patients with thyroid carcinoma. Controls were patients with benign thyroid nodules. The data were collected from medical records. Results: Most subjects in the thyroid carcinoma group were female (72.7%). The thyroid carcinoma group had a higher mean age at the time of thyroidectomy (47.33 ± 13.4) compared to the benign thyroid nodule group (46.07 ± 12.5) (p = 0.61). Significant difference was found regarding the nodule size between the two groups (p &lt; 0.001). There were no significant differences in terms of nodule lateralization (p = 0.56) and the number of nodules (p = 0.58). Papillary thyroid carcinoma was the most common type of thyroid carcinoma (89.1%). A significantly higher pre-operative mean serum TSH concentration was found in cases (1.0 ± 0.23 IU/mL) compared to controls (0.8 ± 0.23 IU/mL) (p &lt; 0.001). The pre-operative mean serum FT4 concentration was significantly lower in cases (1.1 ± 0.25 IU/mL) compared to controls (1.2 ± 0.22 IU/mL) (p = 0.006). The optimal TSH and FT4 cut-off values for thyroid carcinoma were &gt; 1.0 IU/mL (61% sensitivity, 71% specificity) and &lt; 1.1 IU/mL (61% sensitivity, 51% specificity), respectively Conclusions: : Higher pre-operative mean TSH concentration and lower mean FT4 concentration were found in patients with thyroid carcinoma. There were statistically significant differences between patients with thyroid carcinoma and benign thyroid nodules in terms of these two laboratory parameters.

Risk factors for thyroid hormone replacement therapy after hemithyroidectomy and development of a predictive nomogram

PurposeHemithyroidectomy is a valid operation to retain functional contralateral thyroid lobe that is indicated for a variety of thyroid diseases. This study aimed at determination of the risk factors for thyroid hormone replacement following hemithyroidectomy and to develop a predictive nomogram.MethodsData of patients treated by hemithyroidectomy for benign thyroid disease between January 2015 and January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline characteristics, surgery-related variables, and preoperative and postoperative thyroid function of patients were collected from the case records and compared between patients with postoperative euthyroidism and patients with postoperative hypothyroidism. Postoperative euthyroidism patients without thyroid hormone replacement were compared to those who developed postoperative hypothyroidism with thyroid hormone replacement. The factors associated with thyroid hormone replacement were used to construct a binomial logistic-regression model and visualized as a predictive nomogram to evaluate the risk of thyroid hormone replacement following hemithyroidectomy.ResultsOf the 378 patients (74% female) included in the study, 110 (29.1%) developed postoperative hypothyroidism. Preoperative serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) > 2.172 μIU/mL was identified as an independent risk factor for postoperative hypothyroidism (odds ratio [OR] = 8.02; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.87–13.20; P < 0.001). Of 110 patients with postoperative hypothyroidism, 56 (50.9%) received thyroid hormone replacement. Unilateral thyroid nodule and preoperative serum TSH > 2.172 μIU/mL were independent predictors of postoperative thyroid hormone replacement (P = 0.01, and P < 0.001, respectively). Temporary subclinical hypothyroidism occurred in 12 patients; all 12 reverted to euthyroid state without thyroid hormone replacement. The discriminative effect of the binomial regression model was proved reliable by the Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test (P = 0.503), and predictive ability of the nomogram was satisfactory with a C-index of 0.833.ConclusionsHypothyroidism is common after hemithyroidectomy, and almost half of the patients will need thyroid hormone replacement. Elevated preoperative serum TSH level and unilateral thyroid nodule were independent predictors of thyroid hormone replacement following hemithyroidectomy. The predictive nomogram could be a useful tool for clinical practice.

Serum TSH Levels as a Predictor of Thyroid Malignancy in Euthyroid Patients with a Thyroid Nodule- A Cohort Study

Introduction: Palpable thyroid nodules are a common disorder in the general population. In many cases, the initial presentation of thyroid cancers can be a thyroid nodule. Hence, this is important to distinguish between a benign and a malignant nodule. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is the gold standard for evaluating a thyroid nodule. Currently, FNAC is a much more reliable diagnostic technique. However, there are certain limitations of FNAC, which makes the serum Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) an essential marker in evaluating the thyroid nodule. It has been observed that the frequency of malignancy varies by the serum TSH levels within its normal range itself. Hence, in the present study, authors aim to assess the role of preoperative serum TSH in predicting the malignancy associated with thyroid nodules. Aim: To evaluate the usefulness of preoperative serum TSH levels in patients with ‘nodular thyroid disease’, in prediction of malignancy. Materials and Methods: This is a cohort study conducted over 7 years from January 2014 to December 2020 by the surgery Department of Gandhi Medical College and associated Hospital, Bhopal, India. A total of 50 patients with thyroid nodule(s) having preoperative serum TSH levels within the normal range were included in this study. Serum TSH levels were measured by Electrochemiluminscent Immunoassay (ECLIA). In additaion, patients’ postoperative tissue biopsies were analysed and associated with preoperative serum TSH levels statistically using student’s t-test, Wilcoxon Mann Whitney U-test, Fisher’s exact test, or Chi-square test. Results: A total of 50 patients were included in the study. The age (years) ranged from 19 to 70. Out of 50 patients who participated in the study, 46 (92%) were female. All 50 (100%) patients had thyroid swelling as their initial presentation. Authors subdivided the sample into three groups by the TSH level distribution of the study (category A 0.4-1.4, category B 1.41- 2.5, and category C 2.51-4.0 mIU/L). The serum TSH category C participants had the largest proportion of biopsy impressions as malignant (p-value &lt;0.001). A cut off level of TSH 2.86 mIU/L showed a sensitivity of 58.8% and specificity of 100%. Conclusion: In patients with thyroid nodule/s having serum TSH levels within their normal range, the higher limits of serum TSH levels are associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer. Preoperative serum TSH levels can be used as an adjunctive diagnostic test for identifying the risk of malignancy associated with a thyroid nodule. It may aid in decision making on diagnostic approaches and may help in making the best therapeutic plans.

Preoperative Serum Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Level Correlates with Surgical Difficulty and Outcome in Patients with Autoimmune Thyroiditis.

Surgical treatment for autoimmune thyroid disease is theoretically risky due to its chronic inflammatory status. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between preoperative serum migration inhibitory factor (MIF) levels and the difficulty of thyroidectomy in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis. Forty-four patients (average age: 54 years) were prospectively recruited: 30 with autoimmune thyroiditis and 14 with nodular goiter. Preoperative serum samples were collected to measure MIF levels. The difficulty of thyroidectomy was evaluated using a 20-point thyroidectomy difficulty scale (TDS) scoring system. The potential correlations between MIF levels and clinicopathological features as well as postoperative complications were analyzed. Preoperative serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), TSH receptor antibody, thyroid peroxidase antibodies levels, TDS score, and serum MIF levels were significantly higher in the autoimmune thyroiditis group than those in the goiter group. MIF levels were significantly associated with postoperative transient recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and hypoparathyroidism. MIF levels were positively correlated with TDS score, operation time, and blood loss in the autoimmune thyroiditis group. Increased preoperative serum MIF levels are associated with higher TDS scores, operation time, blood loss, and postoperative complications. Preoperative serum MIF level may be a useful predictor of difficult thyroidectomy and help surgeons provide better preoperative management.

A meta-analysis of the influence of body mass index on the clinicopathologic progression of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Background:Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) incidence has been increasing worldwide. Obesity, that is, having a high body mass index, is associated with the incidence of several cancers including colon, breast, esophageal, and kidney cancer. However, the association between obesity and the clinical features of PTC is still unknown. This study aimed to determine the impact of obesity on the clinical features of PTC.Method:A database search was conducted for articles published up to 2020 on obesity and clinical features of PTC. Data were extracted from articles that met the meta-analysis inclusion criteria.Results:A total of 11 retrospective cohorts and 11,729 patients were included. Obesity was associated with the following variables in PTC patients: older age (difference in means = 1.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.16–3.74, P = .03), male sex (odds ratio [OR] = 3.13, 95%CI 2.24–4.38, P < .00001), tumor size ≥1 cm (OR = 1.34, 95%CI 1.11–1.61, P < .002), multifocality (OR = 1.54, 95%CI 1.27–1.88, P < .0001), extrathyroidal extension (OR = 1.78, 95%CI 1.22–2.59, P = .003) and advanced tumor, node, metastasis stage (OR = 1.68, 95%CI 1.44–1.96, P < .00001). Preoperative serum thyroid-stimulating hormone level (difference in means = 0.09, 95%CI 0.35–0.52, P = .70), Vascular invasion (OR = 0.84, 95%CI 0.56–1.26, P = .41), lymph node metastasis (OR = 1.07, 95%CI 0.87–1.32, P = .50), distant metastasis (OR = 1.14, 95%CI 0.64–2.04, P = .66), and recurrence (OR = 1.45, 95%CI 0.97–2.15, P = .07) were not associated with obesity.Conclusion:Obesity was associated with several poor clinicopathologic prognostic features: older age, male gender, tumor size ≥1 cm, extrathyroidal extension, multifocality, and advanced tumor/node/metastasis stage. However, thyroid-stimulating hormone level, vascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and recurrence were not associated with obesity in PTC.

Association between preoperative serum TSH and tumor status in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is a growth factor affecting the initiation or progression of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). However, the relationship between preoperative serum TSH and papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) remains controversial. To investigate the relationship between preoperative serum TSH and tumor status of PTMC, a multicentered retrospective study was performed from January 2014 to December 2016. The cohort of this study consisted of 1997 patients who underwent thyroid surgery. Serum TSH concentrations were measured and PTMC was diagnosed based on the post-operation pathological report. Results showed that the preoperative serum TSH concentration was not related to age and gender but was positively associated with tumor size. Furthermore, higher TSH level was associated with extra-thyroidal extension and lymph node metastasis (LNM). These results indicated that TSH might not be involved in the development of PTMC but may be associated with PTMC progression. Preoperative serum TSH concentration should be considered as risk predictor for tumor progression in patients with PTMC.

Impact of bedside assistant on outcomes of robotic thyroid surgery: A STROBE-compliant retrospective case-control study.

The importance of bedside assistants has been well established in various robotic procedures. However, the effect of assistants on the surgical outcomes of thyroid surgery remains unclear. We investigated the effects of a dedicated robot assistant (DRA) in robotic thyroidectomy. We also evaluated the learning curve of the DRA.Between January 2016 and December 2019, 191 patients underwent robotic total thyroidectomy, all of which were performed by a single surgeon. The DRA participated in 93 cases, while non-dedicated assistants (NRAs) helped with 98 cases. Demographic data, pathologic data, operative times, and postoperative complications were recorded and analyzed.Robotic thyroidectomy was successful in all 191 patients, and none required conversion to the conventional open procedure. Mean operative time was shorter in the DRA group than in the NRA group (183.2 ± 33.6 minutes vs 203.1 ± 37.9 minutes; P < .001). There were no significant differences in terms of sex distribution, age, preoperative serum thyroid stimulating hormone level, or pathologic characteristics between the groups. Cumulative summation analysis showed that it took 36 cases for the DRA to significantly reduce operative time. Mean operative time decreased significantly in the subgroup including the 37th to the 93rd DRA cases compared with the subgroup including only the first 36 DRA cases (199.7 ± 37.3 minutes vs 172.8 ± 26.4 minutes; P < .001). NRA group showed no definite decrease of operation time, which indicated that the NRAs did not significantly deviate from the mean performance.Increased experience of the bedside assistant reduced operative times in the robotic thyroidectomy. Assistant training should be considered as a component of robotic surgery training programs.

Subclinical Hypothyroidism Increases the Requirement of Renal Replacement Therapy After Cardiac Surgery.

Subclinical or biochemically diagnosed hypothyroidism (SCH) is defined as an elevated serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) with normal free thyroxine (FT4) levels. Thyroid hormones play a major role in the normal function of the heart and vascular physiology. Atherosclerosis, increased systemic vascular resistance, and decreased arterial compliance are common pathophysiological changes that may occur in hypothyroidism. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the devastating complications after cardiac surgery. Age, diabetes mellitus (DM), preexisting renal dysfunction, hypertension, impaired left ventricular function, and severe arteriosclerosis are the major risk factors for the development of AKI. The purpose of the current study was to analyze the influence of SCH on AKI and the requirement of renal replacement therapy (RRT) after isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). We retrospectively reviewed the prospectively collected data of 336 adult patients who underwent isolated CABG surgery with normal renal function (baseline serum creatinine value <1.4 mg/dL) from January 2017 to January 2019. The patients were divided into two groups either having the diagnosis of SCH (Group I, N = 47) or not (Group II, N = 289). SCH was diagnosed based on preoperative serum TSH and FT4 levels. Kidney injury was interpreted, according to RIFLE classification. The effect of SCH on AKI and the need for RRT after CABG was determined using logistic regression analysis and the results were expressed as odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). A P value < .05 was considered statistically significant. Subclinical hypothyroidism was diagnosed in 14% of all patients. Postoperative AKI occurred in 15 patients (31.9%) in Group I, whereas there were 42 patients (14.5%) in Group II. On logistic regression analysis, the presence of SCH was shown to be associated with an increased incidence of postoperative AKI (OR, 0.363; 95% CI, 0.181-0.727; P = .004). RRT was used in 2.97% of patients (seven patients in Group I and three patients in Group II, P < .001). The 30-day mortality was 2.1%. The presence of SCH seems to be associated with an increased incidence of AKI and increased requirement for RRT after cardiac surgery.

Impact of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy on Obese Patients with Subclinical Hypothyroidism.

Background: This study aims to evaluate the incidence of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) among studied obese patients. The effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and loss of weight on thyroid hormones level and the impact of adding thyroxine treatment is described. Patients and Methods: Obese patients undergoing LSG at the university hospital between June 2016 and January 2018 were included. Weight loss and changes in body mass index (BMI), serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and FT4 were evaluated. SCH patients were randomly divided into group "A" received thyroxine treatment and group "B" received no treatment. Results: There were 554 patients studied (mean age 41 ± 12 years); the mean preoperative BMI, serum TSH, and FT4 were 45 ± 6.8 kg/m2, 3.91 ± 1 μU/mL, and 1.32 ± 1 ng, respectively. Incidence of SCH was 12.9%. Significant post-LSG decrease in BMI (30.8 ± 4.6 kg/m2) was associated with significant decrease in serum TSH (1.99 ± 1.1 μU/mL) in all patients; changes were more prominent in SCH group and in patients with higher BMI. SCH patients had normalization of mean serum TSH at 12 months post-LSG. Results of groups "A" and "B" were not significantly different. Conclusion: The incidence of SCH was 12.9%. The significant decrease in BMI was associated with a significant decrease in serum TSH after LSG; this was more evident in SCH and in patients with higher BMI. Complete resolution of SCH occurred at 12 months post-LSG. Adding thyroxine treatment in obese SCH patients did not improve outcome and should be reserved to specific clinical and laboratory indications.

Pre-operative serum TSH levels: A risk factor for advanced metastatic differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

Background and Objective:As the thyroid cancer incidence is increasing, the search for its risk factor is becoming more important. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels being a growth factor for normal thyroid tissue, is also considered as growth promotor of cancer cells. In our study we aimed for pre-operative serum TSH levels of Differentiated thyroid cancers (DTC) done before their first surgery and determined its association with advanced disease in terms of stage, multifocal disease, lymph node involvement and distant metastasis.Methods:We have conducted a retrospective review of thyroid cancers from 1st January 2008 to 31st December 2017. Out of 281, 142 cases were included according to inclusion criteria. We noted the demographic details of participants, their histopathological diagnosis and serum TSH levels done before first surgery from the medical records. We calculated the stage of tumor through modified American Joint Committee (AJCC) staging system.Results:Out of 147 participants, 89.4% had papillary carcinoma or its variants whereas 10.6% reported follicular carcinoma. The mean pre-op TSH level of the patients included was 2.04 ± 1.79. In addition to the descriptive analysis, the univariate regression analysis revealed that the association of serum TSH levels was found to be statistically insignificant with advanced stage of thyroid cancer, multifocal disease, lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis respectively.Conclusion:The serum TSH levels before surgery was not associated with poor prognosis of differentiated thyroid cancer with respect to higher staging, multifocal disease, lymphatic or distant metastasis.

Clinical features of papillary thyroid carcinoma patients associated with lateral lymph node metastasis in different ages

Objective:To explore the clinical features of papillary thyroid carcinoma(PTC) patients associated with lateral lymph node metastasis(LLNM) in different ages. Method:One hundred and sixtyfive PTC patients associated with LLNM were included in the study and divided into three groups(22-＜30y,30-＜45y and 45-65y). The gender, the number and the ratio of neck lymph node metastasis, maximum tumor diameter, multifocality, preoperative serum thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH), the capsular invasion, extrathyroidal extension and other clinical features in different ages were analyzed.Result:The median age of the patients was 39 years. There were no significant differences in the maximum tumor diameter ＞1cm,multifocality and preoperative serum TSH level among the three groups. The proportion of female patients in 22-＜30y group was higher than the other two groups(all P<0.05).The rate of bilateral lesions in 45-65y group was higher than 22-＜30y group (P<0.01).The rates of the capsular invasion and extrathyroidal extension in 22-＜30y group and 30-45 group were similarly lower than 30-＜45y group(P<0.05).The proportion of the 22-＜30y group coexistent with Hashimoto thyroiditis was higher than the other two groups(P<0.05). When the number of central lymph node metastasis(CLNM)＞3,the proportion of 22-＜30y group were higher than the other two groups(all P<0.01), the 30-＜45y group was the same as higher than 45-65y group(P<0.05); When the ratio of CLNM＞0.35,the proportion of 30-＜45y group was significantly higher than the other two groups(all P<0.05).When the number of LLNM＞6, 22-＜30y group was significantly higher than the other two groups;when the ratio of LLNM＞0.33, 45-65y group was lower than the other two groups(all P<0.05).The total lymph node metastasis＞11, the proportion of 22-＜30y group was significantly higher than the other two groups(all P<0.05), meanwhile 30-＜45y was higher than 45-65y group(P<0.05);when the ratio of total lymph node metastasis＞0.22,45-65y group was significantly higher than the other two groups(all P<0.01).Conclusion: There is a high proportion of female and maximum tumor diameter over 1cm in PTC associated with LLNM. The proportion of coexistent with Hashimoto thyroiditis and the number of lymph node metastasis are much higher in 22-＜30y group. The higher ratio of CLNM is much more common in 30-＜45y group. The bilateral lesions are more likely to occur in 45-65y group, and meanwhile the tumor is more easier to invade the capsular and extrathyroidal construction. The number and the ratio of total lymph node metastasis might be lower in PTC associated with LLNM of older patients.

Utility of pre-operative serum thyroid stimulating hormone in predicting thyroid malignancy

Background: Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy and its incidence continues to rise. Thyroid carcinoma in most cases presents clinically as a solitary nodule or as a dominant nodule within a multinodular thyroid gland. There are a number of well-established of predictors of malignancy in thyroid nodules. More recently studies have suggested that higher concentration of TSH, even within the normal range are associated with subsequent diagnosis of thyroid cancer in patients with thyroid nodules and even higher serum TSH levels have been found associated with advanced stages of thyroid cancer. The objective of this study was to determine the serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration before surgery in different thyroid malignancies and to compare serum TSH concentration after surgery in thyroid malignancyMethods: A hospital based observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital for a period of 2 year. 120 patients presenting with thyroid nodule without an overt thyroid dysfunction during the study period were included in the study. Chi-square was used as test of significance. Independent t test was the test of significance for quantitative data between two groups.Results: Mean serum TSH was higher in thyroid malignancies and significant difference was observed between solitary and multinodular goitre. Mean serum TSH concentrations was significantly high in papillary carcinoma and advanced stages of carcinoma. Mean serum TSH was high in stage III and stage IV (5.17±1.36 mIU/l) compared to stage I and II (4.03±1.87 mIU/l).Conclusions: The study concludes that TSH levels were high in thyroid malignancies arising from multinodular goitre, majority of thyroid malignancies had high levels of serum TSH concentrations and TSH was high with advanced stage of thyroid cancer

Association of Preoperative Serum Thyroid-stimulating Hormone Levels with Thyroid Cancer in Patients with Nodular Thyroid Disease.

The aim of the current study was to determine the frequency of carcinoma thyroid among patients presenting with goiter and its association with preoperative serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. A total of 73 (n = 73) adult patients of either gender with solitary solid cold nodule and multinodular goiter with predominant solid cold nodule were analyzed. All surgically resected samples were sent for histopathology. The frequency of thyroid cancer and its subtypes was noted and tested for association with preoperative serum TSH values. Thyroid cancer was diagnosed in 26% (n = 19) of the patients. In patients with thyroid cancer (n = 19), 73.7% (n = 14) were diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer and 26.3% (n = 5) were diagnosed with follicular thyroid cancer. Presence of thyroid cancer was found to be significantly associated with preoperative higher mean TSH values (P < 0.05). Higher preoperative serum TSH levels may be useful in predicting thyroid cancer in nodular thyroid disease. Further studies are recommended with different cutoff values of serum TSH and its association with the development and progression of thyroid cancer.

WOMEN IN CANCER THEMATIC REVIEW: Thyroid-stimulating hormone in thyroid cancer: does it matter?

Differentiated thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy and the incidence is increasing rapidly worldwide. Appropriate diagnosis and post-treatment monitoring of patients with thyroid tumours are critical. Fine needle aspiration cytology remains the gold standard for diagnosing thyroid cancer, and although there have been significant refinements to this technique, diagnostic surgery is often required for patients suspected to have malignancy. Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is higher in patients with malignant thyroid nodules than in those with benign disease, and TSH is proportionally increased in more aggressive tumours. Importantly, we have shown that the pre-operative serum TSH concentration independently predicts the presence of malignancy in subjects presenting with thyroid nodules. Establishing the use of TSH measurements in algorithms identifying high-risk thyroid nodules in routine clinical practice represents an exciting, cost-efficient and non-invasive approach to optimise thyroid cancer diagnosis. Binding of TSH to receptors on thyrocytes stimulates a number of growth promoting pathways both in normal and malignant thyroid cells, and TSH suppression with high doses of levothyroxine is routinely used after thyroidectomy to prevent cancer recurrence, especially in high-risk tumours. This review examines the relationship between serum TSH and thyroid cancer and reflects on the clinical potential of TSH measurements in diagnosis and disease monitoring.

Thyroid Hormones, Autoantibodies, Ultrasonography, and Clinical Parameters for Predicting Thyroid Cancer.

Our objective was to evaluate thyroid nodule malignancy prediction using thyroid function tests, autoantibodies, ultrasonographic imaging, and clinical data. We conducted a retrospective cohort study in 1400 patients with nodular thyroid disease (NTD). The thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration was significantly higher in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) versus benign thyroid nodular disease (BTND) (p = 0.004). The receiver operating characteristic curve of TSH showed an AUC of 0.58 (95% CI 0.53–0.62, p = 0.001), sensitivity of 74%, and specificity of 57% at a cut-off of 1.59 mIU/L. There was an incremental increase in TSH concentration along with the increasing tumor size (p < 0.001). Thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) concentration was associated with an increased risk of malignancy (p = 0.029), but this association was lost when the effect of TSH was taken into account (p = 0.11). Thyroid ultrasonographic characteristics, including fewer than three nodules, hypoechoic appearance, solid component, poorly defined margin, intranodular or peripheral-intranodular flow, and punctate calcification, can be used to predict the risk of thyroid cancer. In conclusion, our study suggests that preoperative serum TSH concentration, age, and ultrasonographic features can be used to predict the risk of malignancy in patients with NTD.

The Effect of Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone on Tumor Size in Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma.

We evaluated the correlation between serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and tumor size and other invasiveness parameters of tumor in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). Several clinical studies have reported that TSH may also have a role as a regulator of the development and function of the thyroid gland. It is currently not clear whether TSH is involved in the existence of thyroid cancer or progression of thyroid cancer or both. Patients with DTC who underwent thyroid surgery between 2003 and 2008 were included this study. Preoperative serum T3, T4, and TSH levels were compared with the size and invasiveness of cancer, retrospectively. DTC was observed in 110 patients over the 5-year period. Seventy-seven (70%) of them were euthyroid and classified as the "normal-TSH group" (NTG), and 33 (30%) have an overt or subclinical hyperthyroidism, classified as the "low-TSH group" (LTG). The mean tumor diameter in the LTG was found to be 8.91 ± 8.03mm; however, it was found to be 18.19 ± 16.24mm in the NTG. There were significantly differences among the groups related to the diameter of tumor (p = 0.001). Microcarcinoma was determined in 36 patients (46.8%) in the NTG and 23 patients (69.7%) in the LTG (p = 0.027). Although there were no significant differences, tumor capsule invasion (33.8 vs. 18.2%, p = 0.099) and lymphovascular invasion (16.9 vs. 6.1%, p = 0.130) rates were higher in the NTG. These findings suggest that TSH has effects on growing and proliferation of not only normal thyroid cells but also cancer cells in DTC. This study revealed that serum TSH level can be explored as an important factor that affects the size and invasiveness of tumor in DTC.