Prevalence of thyroid lesions in thyroidectomy specimens - A histomorphological study in urban industrial area

Introduction: The prevalence of thyroid diseases is enormous in general population of India and more common in women than men. Although the World Health Organization assessment status has classified India as having optimal iodine nutrition in 2004, hypothyroidism still contributes significantly to burden of thyroid disorders in India. The prevalence of thyroid diseases varies according to different geographical areas, age, and sex. The aim of this study is to determine the pattern of thyroid lesions in surgically resected specimens in urban industrial area and to study their histomorphological features. Materials and Methods: The 430 patients in whom partial or complete surgical resection of thyroid was done were included in the study. The histomorphological features were studied in detail and correlated with clinical findings. Results: The majority of thyroid specimens (90.71%) were total thyroidectomies. More than half, i.e., 54.65% (n = 235) of the thyroidectomies were done in 3rd and 4th decade. The 85.11% (n = 366) were female patients. The multinodular goiter was the commonest etiology (n = 341) for thyroidectomy. The follicular adenoma (n = 25) and the papillary thyroid carcinoma (n = 20) were common neoplastic lesion. Conclusion: The thyroid lesions in females more often require surgical intervention as compared to males. The 31–50 years is the most common age group who require surgical intervention. The substantial number of younger females in the age group of 16–30 years requires surgical intervention. The multinodular goiter due to iodine deficiency appears to be most common cause of thyroidectomy. The early diagnosis and proper therapy is the key for reducing the thyroidectomies in younger females.