Thyroid carcinoma and concurrent hyperthyroidism: a study of ten patients.

Ten patients with thyroid carcinoma and co-existing thyrotoxicosis have been studied. In six patients thyroid carcinoma was suspected before thyroidectomy. In three of the four patients in whom neoplasia was not suspected before operation, the lesion was a small papillary carcinoma. In only one of the eight patients in whom serum long acting thyroid stimulator (LATS) and long acting thyroid stimulator protector (LATSP) were assayed was detectable activity found, a low incidence. The possible role of hyperthyroidism in initiating thyroid malignancy is discussed.