Breast cancer in previously thyroidectomized patients: which thyroid disorders are a risk factor?

Giuseppa Graceffa; Gregorio Scerrino; Gabriella Militello; Iole Laise; Brenda Randisi; Giuseppina Melfa; Giuseppina Orlando; Sergio Mazzola; Calogero Cipolla; Gianfranco Cocorullo

doi:10.2144/fsoa-2021-0029

Breast cancer in previously thyroidectomized patients: which thyroid disorders are a risk factor?

Future Sci OA. 2021 Mar 29;7(5):FSO699. doi: 10.2144/fsoa-2021-0029.

Affiliations

¹ Department of Surgical Oncology & Oral Sciences, Unit of Oncological Surgery, University of Palermo, Via L Giuffré, 5, Palermo, 90127, Italy.
² Department of Surgical Oncology & Oral Sciences, Unit of General & Emergency Surgery, University of Palermo, Via L Giuffré, 5, Palermo, 90127, Italy.
³ Unit of Clinical Epidemiology & Tumor Registry, Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Policlinico P. Giaccone University of Palermo, Via L Giuffré, 5, Palermo, 90127, Italy.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether there are thyroid diseases in which breast cancer will appear later as well as the role of autoimmunity. This was a retrospective observational study. A total of 410 females (thyroid surgery and later breast cancer) and 524 females (thyroid surgery only) were compared with regard to pathological thyroid findings, thyroid hormones, thyroid autoimmunity and type of breast cancer. Thyroid autoimmunity, especially antithyroid peroxidase antibodies, significantly increased the risk of breast cancer (p < 0.01); however, this was not true for other thyroid diseases, including thyroid cancer. No variant of breast cancer was predominant, and only thyroid autoimmunity was associated with the risk of breast cancer. Further research is needed to explain the impacts of different antithyroid antibodies.

Keywords: breast cancer; thyroid autoantibodies; thyroid autoimmunity; thyroid carcinoma; thyroid disorders; thyroid dysfunctions.

Publication types

Clinical Trial
Review