Thyroid carcinoma with hyperthyroidism as the major clinical manifestations]

Twenty-two patients (17%) with thyroid cancer evidenced by major clinical features of hyperthyroidism were encountered out of 129 patients with thyroid cancer operated on. Clinical complains consisted of palpitation, dyspnea, nervousness, increased appetite, and weight loss. Preoperative BMR of 12 patients ranged from +17% to +41%, averaging +31.4%. Definite diagnosis was made by preoperative biopsy in two patients, the remainder was misdiagnosed as having primary hyperthyroidism (12), nodular goiter (6), and adenoma (2). The causes of misdiagnosis, coexistence of thyroid cancer and hyperthyroidism, and prognosis were discussed. we conclude that fine needle biopsy is the most effective way to establish correct preoperative diagnosis.