Multinodular goiter; frequency of malignancy

ABSTRACT

The object of this study was to determine the frequency and type of thyroid carcinoma in Multi nodular goiter [MNG] after surgical resection on histopathological basis. Multi nodular goiter [MNG] is one of the common presentations of various thyroid diseases. Thyroid nodules have been reported to be found in 4% to 7% of the population on neck palpation. Although in comparison to solitary nodule, the risk of malignancy in MNG is low but certain studies are showing significant risk. This prospective, observational study was carried out in the surgical unit I of Ghulam Mohammad Mahar Medical college hospital sukkur from 2007 to 2012. 94 cases with clinical diagnosis of MNG were analyzed during this period. All the patients were admitted through opd with routine investigations plus investigations specific to thyroid including thyroid profile, thyroid scan, FNAC of dominant nodule before being subjected to surgery. All FNACs were carried out at agha khan university hospital Karachi. Histopathology of operated specimen was the main criteria for malignancy. Among the 94 cases which were included in this study, 9 [9.5%] cases containing foci of malignancy. Incidence of malignancy commonly occurs in females, papillary carcinoma is being the commonest entity. The incidence of malignancy in MNG in this study is 9.5% that is quite high. So people should be educated and encouraged to attend the thyroid clinics for proper evaluation and early diagnosis of Malignancy