Histopathologic pattern of thyroid disease

Abstract

Background: Diseases of the thyroid are manifested by alteration in hormone secretion, enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter), or both. The principal diseases of the thyroid gland are goiter (diffuse or nodular), hypo or hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis and neoplasms. The incidence and prevalence of these thyroid diseases in a given community are variable depending on various factors. Simple (non-toxic) goiter is extremely common throughout the world and is most prevalent in mountainous areas. The reported prevalance of goiter in Ethiopia varies between 18% and 30%. Objective: To review the histopathologic patterns of thyroid disease and their relationship with age and sex over a five year period. Setting: Tikur Anbessa teaching and referral hospital, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Addis Ababa University. Methods: Retrospective analysis of five years biopsy material from patients with thyroid disease. Results: Seven hundred and eighty consecutive patients with thyroid disease were included in the study. Six hundred and sixty(79%) were found to be non-neoplastic and 164 (21%) were neoplastic. Nodular colloid goiter (NCG) were found in 600 (76.9%) cases. Adenoma, carcinoma and thyroiditis accounted for 100 (12.8%), 64 (8.2%) and 16 (2.1%) cases respectively. Female to male ratio was 4.5:1. Eighty five point seven per cent of the thyroid diseases were found in the age group 20-59 years. Conclusion: Nodular colloid goiter is the most prevalent thyroid disease. Papillary carcinoma is the most frequent cancer seen in this series. Appropriate measures should be taken to reduce the iodine deficiency states in the diet to alleviate the social and medical consequences of the NCG. Similary clinical evaluation of goiter should be thorough, and use all means especially histopathologic study of the specimens to arrive at a definitive diagnosis as thyroid carcinoma is not uncommon.

Impact of iodination on thyroid pathology in Africa

“…1 The reverse is seen in Africa where autoimmune hypothyroidism is rarely encountered, either by clinicians 18,19 or histopathologists. 17 In striking contrast to Graves' disease, the incidence of autoimmune hypothyroidism in African blacks does not appear to have been amplified by improvements in iodine intake. One possible explanation for this discrepancy may lie with recognition.…”

“…[17][18][19] The majority of affected people live within subsistence agricultural systems, commonly in mountainous regions which have been deprived of iodine by leaching of the soil. Goitrogens in local foods like cassava and millet accentuate the effects of iodine deficiency 20 and other micronutrient deficiencies such as selenium also play a role in the development of goitres.…”

Cytopathological evaluation of various thyroid lesions based on Bethesda system for reporting thyroid lesions

“…Similar female preponderance was noted by Unnikrishnan et al 9 As reported by Tsegaye et al 85.7% per cent of the thyroid diseases were found in the age group 20-59 years. 10 In present study, 71.51% cases were in the similar age group.…”

Ethnic differences in the Prevalence of Thyroid disorders among population of Far Western Region of Nepal

“…Numerous small studies from various parts of the nation carried out on the varied populations demonstrate different prevalence rates. [11][12][13] Till now, these are no data reported regarding prevalence of thyroid disorders from Far western population of Nepal and this is the first study which is being reported from this region.…”

“…12 Thyroid dysfunction is usually acquired and may occur any time in life and is one of the chronic noncommunicable diseases affecting women more than men. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are two main thyroid disorders of which hypothyroidism are much more common.…”