Nódulo tiroídeo en enfermedad de Basedow Graves y cáncer tiroídeo: experiencia en 6 pacientes / Thyroid nodules in Basedow Graves disease and thyroid cancer: experience in 6 patients

ABSTRACT

Traditionally, Basedow graves disease was considered a protection against cancer. However, recent reports suggest that cancer occurs with a higher frequency than expected and is more aggressive in this disease. We report six patients with hyperthyroidism due to a Basedow Graves disease that presented a palpable thyroid nodule, which was cold in the scintiscan and solid in the ultrasound examination. Fine needle cytology disclosed cancer in 5 cases (2 with cytological features of greater aggressiveness) and a nodular hyperplasia in one. The diagnosis was confirmed in the surgical piece in all patients. We conclude that Basedow Graves disease and thyroid cancer, which can have an increased aggressiveness, may coexist