Differentiated thyroid carcinoma in Denizli region: Demographic data and clinical features from a tertiary center

Abstract

Purpose: Differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) is the most common endocrine malignancy, with its incidence rising worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with DTC treated at Pamukkale University and to compare them with national and international data. In addition, the study was designed as an educational initiative, offering medical students practical experience in research methodology.Materials and methods: A total of 299 patients (246 females, 53 males) who underwent thyroidectomy and were referred for radioiodine ablation between January 2014 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Age, sex, histological subtype, tumor size, focality, lymph node involvement, distant metastasis, and administered radioiodine activity (RAI) were collected. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25.0.Results: The mean age at diagnosis was 47.3±14.2 years (46.9 for females, 48.9 for males), with a female-to-male ratio of 4.8:1. The classical variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma was the most frequent subtype (74.4%), followed by the follicular variant (12%) and oncocytic thyroid carcinoma (OTC) (7.4%). Regional lymph node metastases were observed in 16.4% and distant metastases in 3.0% of patients. Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) was associated with a higher rate of distant metastasis compared with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) (10.5% vs. 3%). Regarding treatment, 72% of patients received ≤100 mCi radioiodine, while 20% received >100 mCi.Conclusion: Female sex and papillary histopathology are predominant in DTC. Follicular thyroid carcinoma tends to exhibit a higher propensity for distant metastasis compared with papillary thyroid carcinoma. The dual purpose of this study highlights both its epidemiological contribution and its role in training medical students in applied research methodology.