Nature and outcome of malignant goiter: a revisit

Abstract

Introduction: the aim of this retrospective study is to review patients with malignant goiter, as regards their nature, demographic characterization, clinical presentation and preoperative histopathological data.

Methods: the study focused on a period of 4 years from December 2015 to January 2019. Patients´ demographic data, clinical presentation, Intra-operative findings, Pre and postoperative histopathological staging and grading were all recorded. Postoperative follow up whether early or late were also included.

Results: a total of 100% (n = 65) patients underwent surgery. The female to male ratio was found to be 5:1 (48 females and 17 males). Solitary nodule was the main clinical presentation in 80% (n = 52) of cases while 20% (n = 13) were multinodular swellings. Papillary carcinoma was recorded in 80% (n = 52) of patients while in 15.4% (n =10) of patients were having follicular carcinoma. The remaining 4.6% (n = 3)suffered of lymphoma; no medullary or anaplastic tumors were reported.

Conclusion: thyroid cancer is the most commonly encountered endocrinal malignancy at our institute. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) showed a high percentage of reliability in diagnosing thyroid cancer among our series. It is recommended to adapt this technique in initial screening of goiter patients in our local setting.