Thyroid carcinoma in multinodular goiter

Background: It is suggested that hyperthyroidism protects against thyroid malignancy. It was suggested that the incidence of malignancy is lower in toxic multinodular goiters than in non-toxic multinodular goiters. Recent studies show controversies. Material and methods: The aim of this study is to determine the incidence and type of thyroid carcinoma in toxic and nontoxic multinodular goiter in our country (Albania), through histopathological examination of thyroidectomy specimens. Results: It is a retrospective, observational study in the Service Nr1 of General Surgery in Tirana, Albania. Histology reports of patients operated for toxic MG, non-toxic MG were reviewed to identify thyroid cancer incidence. The incidence of TC in TMG was found to be 9.1%, in NMG was found to be 9.4%. Conclusions: As we see the incidence of malignancy in TMG is not very low as thought and it resulted nearly the same as in NMG. Which reminds physicians to consider the possible association between hyperthyroidism and cancer. The risk of malignancy should not be underestimated and FNAC should be done for all prominent nodules to discover neoplasy.