Histopathological Audit of Goiter: a Study of 998 Thyroid Lesions

Objective: Nodular goiter is the commonest lesion of thyroid gland. This study was carried out to see histopathological pattern of thyroid enlargement. Methodology: All thyroid lesions received in the Department of Pathology, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre Karachi, over a period of five years were reviewed and relevant special stains were performed. Results: A total of 998 lesions were reviewed. Seven hundred forty three cases were found non-neoplastic and 255 were neoplastic lesions. Multinodular goiter was found to be the commonest 91.3% non-neoplastic lesion. In neoplastic lesions, there were 102 benign lesions and 153 were malignant. All 102 benign lesions were diagnosed as follicular adenoma as per existing criteria. Out of these, 35 cases showed questionable nuclear changes, which were categorized as well-differentiated tumours of uncertain malignant potential. Papillary carcinoma was the commonest malignant lesion with a total of 138 cases. Conclusion: The commonest cause of goiter was multinodular goiter. Papillary carcinoma was the commonest malignant lesion.