THE INCIDENCE OF THYROID MALIGNANCY IN NODULAR GOITER: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS IN A MEDICAL COLLEGE HOSPITAL

The incidence of malignancy in nodular goiter has been found to vary from 4% to 17%.Our aim is to determine the incidence of malignancy in nodular goiter by doing the histopathological examination of thyroidectomy specimens.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective, observational study was carried out on patients who are undergone thyroidectomy for clinically diagnosed nodular goiter in Fr.Muller Medical College Hospital during 2012-2014 (3 yrs).All the operated specimens were subjected to a histopathological examination to determine the incidence of malignancy.RESULTS: Among the 258 nodular goitre cases which were studied, 21 (8.1%) cases contained malignant foci.Among them, papillary carcinoma was the most common type of malignancy observed.CONCLUSION: The risk of malignancy in nodular goitre should not to be underestimated.Total/ Near-total thyroidectomy is the preferred operation.All the operated specimens should be sent for histopathological examination.