Analysis of Nodular Goiter with Coexistent Thyroid Cancer

Objective To sum up the experience of the diagnosis and treatment of nodular goiter with coexistent thyroid cancer.Methods The data of 23 nodular goiter with coexistent thyroid cancer from Jan 1984 to Jun 2003 were retrospectively studeid.Results A total of 836 patients with nodular goiter received operation,and 23 cases(2.75%) were confirmed to have coexistent thyroid cancer.There were 3 cases of focal cancer,8 cases of minimal cancer,11 cases of papillary cancer and one case with papillary cancer and coexistent follicular cancer.Intraoperaive fast frozen section was performed in all patients.The various styles of thyroidectomy were performed according to the different pathological results.All cases took thyroxine in the lifetime.Conclusion Nodular goiter is a common disease,but the diagnosis of nodular goiter with coexistent thyroid cancer is difficult.The coexistent thyroid cancer is often well differentiated papillary cancer.The indications of operation for patients with nodular goiter should be expanded.Intraoperative fast frozen section is a reliable diagnostic method and is helpful for the selection of surgical pattern.