Clinical Significance of Malignant Neoplasms of the Thyroid Gland

Abstract

THE value of extirpating goiters, particularly nodular ones, for the prevention of malignant neoplasms of the thyroid gland has been the subject of considerable discussion for many years. Opinions have ranged from a conservative attitude to one of removing all goiters containing nodules, whether single or multiple.^{1 , 2} In the presence of these divergent opinions, the frequency with which prophylactic thyroidectomies should be performed needs evaluation.There are numerous reports in the literature concerning the incidence of malignant neoplasms of the thyroid gland.^{1 2 3 4 5 6 7} In two recent reports the incidence of carcinoma was particularly high, Cole et al.⁷ stating that the incidence . . .