The relationship between Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyroid neoplasia, and primary hyperparathyroidism.

The relationship between Hashimoto's thyroiditis and follicular cell carcinoma of the thyroid remains controversial. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is regarded by some as a premalignant lesion for which thyroidectomy is definitely indicated. In contrast, other investigators have found no increased evidence of thyroid carcinoma in patients with this disease. As a result, the management of thyroid nodules in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis remains highly individualized. A program for the management of patients with chronic Hashimoto's thyroiditis with co-existing neoplasia or primary hyperparathyroidism is outlined.