Histopathological analysis of thyroid lesions: an institutional experience

Abstract

Background: Diseases of thyroid are one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting general population which range from non-neoplastic to neoplastic lesions. The incidence and pattern of thyroid lesions depend on various factors which include sex, age, ethnic and geographical patterns. Majority of thyroid lesions are non-neoplastic only <5% are malignant. The aim of the present study was to determine the frequency and histomorphological pattern of thyroidectomy specimens and their relationship with age and sex of the patient.Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the department of pathology, Govt. Medical College, Alappuzha for a period of 2 years. The study included 620 thyroidectomy specimens received in the Department of Pathology. All the biopsy reports were reviewed, and different lesions were categorised according to age and gender distribution. The data was analysed by standard statistical methods.Results: The commonest of the non-neoplastic lesions was nodular colloid goiter followed by lymphocytic thyroiditis, Hashimoto thyroiditis Nodular hyperplasia and thyroglossal cyst. Most common malignant lesion in this study is papillary carcinoma and benign lesion is follicular adenoma. Age group of patients ranged from 6 ½ to 84 years. The study showed a female predominance of 88.38%.Conclusions: Thyroid disorders are commonly encountered endocrine diseases. The study showed a female predominance. Peak age of incidence of thyroid lesions was between 40 and 50 years. Most common lesion was follicular adenoma and most common malignant lesion was papillary carcinoma.Histopathological examination is the mainstay for definite diagnosis and management of thyroid neoplasms.