Thyroid cancer in uremic patients.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The combination of thyroid cancer and secondary uremic hyperparathyroidism has thus far been reported in only 25 cases. METHODS: Here we report our experience of 19 patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism who underwent parathyroidectomy. RESULTS: Thyroid nodules were present in five patients (26.3%), including one with a benign nodule and four with papillary thyroid cancer (21.1%). CONCLUSION: Our experience suggests that, in order to make a correct diagnosis, clinicians should consider the possibility of thyroid cancer in uremic patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism.