Thyroid Carcinoma: Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors.

Introduction: Thyroid nodules are a prevalent condition all over the world. Majority of thyroid nodules are brought on by an expansion of healthy thyroid tissue. There is a substantial hereditary basis for this enlargement, however the reason is frequently unclear. Objective: To identify the frequency and risk factors for thyroid cancer in patients attending JPMC Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: A retrospective cross-section study was performed at JPMC, Karachi, Pakistan. Five years data (2016 to 2020) was retrieved from the electronic medical record. All adult patients 30 years of age and older, regardless of gender, had preoperative thyroid and cervical ultrasound imaging were enrolled. The condition of the thyroid nodule was noted. The final diagnosis was reached after a pathological study of the operation specimen. Results: Of 520 patients, the mean age was 55.35 ±4.64 years. There were 320 (61.5%) males and 200 (38.5%) females. Thyroid cancer was observed in 149 (28.7%) patients. After adjustment of other covariates, thyroid cancer was 16.74 times significantly higher in single nodular goiter patients than with multinodular goiter patients (aOR: 16.74, 95% CI 9.70-28.88) and 8.11 times significantly higher among whom patients with positive thyroid cancer family history than with no positive family history (aOR: 8.11, 95% CI 4.35-15.11). Of 149 patients with thyroid cancer, papillary cancer was observed in majority 123 (23.7%), follicular cancer in 15 (10.1%), Hurthle Cancer observed in 11 (7.4%). Conclusion: Thyroid cancer was observed in almost one third of patients. In particular, single nodular goiter and positive family history were the significant variables. Keywords: Goiter, Nodules, Thyroid Cancer.