Checking for Hidden Thyroid Cancer in Graves' Disease Thyroid Surgery
Studies how often thyroid cancer is found by chance during thyroid removal for Graves' disease.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Prevalence and Predictors of Incidental Thyroid Carcinoma in Patients With Graves' Disease Undergoing Thyroidectomy.
Key facts
- Where
- Minya, EgyptSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 75 years old?
Source: NCT07059507, who can take part
Where in Egypt
- Minia University HospitalMinya, EgyptTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Minia University
- Trial code
- NCT07059507
- Record updated
- 11 August 2026
- Original description
The prevalence of incidental thyroid cancer (ITC) in Graves' Disease (GD) patients undergoing thyroidectomy appears higher than historically believed, potentially exceeding 10% in large contemporary series, although significant variability exists. The presence of nodules is a strong predictor, while the roles of age, sex, and BMI require clarification. Most ITCs are papillary thyroid microcarcinoma(PTMCs) with generally favorable prognoses, but concerns about aggressiveness persist.Read full original descriptionShow less
Prevalence and Predictors of Incidental Thyroid Carcinoma in Patients With Graves' Disease Undergoing Thyroidectomy: A Prospective Study.
The prevalence of incidental thyroid cancer (ITC) in Graves' Disease (GD) patients undergoing thyroidectomy appears higher than historically believed, potentially exceeding 10% in large contemporary series, although significant variability exists. The presence of nodules is a strong predictor, while the roles of age, sex, and BMI require clarification. Most ITCs are papillary thyroid microcarcinoma(PTMCs) with generally favorable prognoses, but concerns about aggressiveness persist.
The purpose of the present study is to accurately evaluate the prevalence of incidental thyroid carcinoma (ITC), including microcarcinomas, in a prospectively enrolled cohort of patients undergoing total thyroidectomy for Graves' disease, utilizing standardized pathological examination protocols and secondary outcomes including predictors and histopathological characteristics.
Inclusion: Age 18 years or older; Confirmed diagnosis of Graves' disease based on clinical features (e.g., diffuse goiter, ophthalmopathy if present) and biochemical evidence (suppressed TSH, elevated free T4 and/or T3) and/or positive TSH receptor antibody (TRAb) test; Indication for total thyroidectomy for Graves' disease, based on established guidelines:; Relapse or persistence of hyperthyroidism after a course of antithyroid drugs (ATDs); Intolerance or adverse reaction to ATDs. Patient preference for surgery over radioactive iodine (RAI) or long-term ATDs. Presence of a large goiter causing compressive symptoms. Coexisting suspicious thyroid nodule(s) on preoperative evaluation. Moderate to severe active Graves' ophthalmopathy where RAI is relatively contraindicated; Patient is scheduled for total thyroidectomy (near-total or subtotal thyroidectomy patients will be excluded); Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent; Ability to understand study procedures and requirements.
Exclusion: Previous thyroid surgery; Previous neck irradiation; Preoperative diagnosis of thyroid malignancy confirmed by fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology (Bethesda V or VI) , the focus is on incidental carcinoma; Inability to provide informed consent (e.g., due to cognitive impairment); Patients undergoing thyroidectomy primarily for reasons other than Graves' disease (e.g., primary indication is large non-toxic MNG); Age less than 18 years; Patients undergoing less than total thyroidectomy (e.g., lobectomy, subtotal thyroidectomy).