Association between autoimmune thyroiditis and clinicopathological features of papillary thyroid carcinoma: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of coexisting autoimmune thyroiditis (HT) on the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This prospective study included patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma who underwent thyroid surgery. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of histologically confirmed thyroiditis. Demographic data, tumor characteristics, pathological features, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Statistical comparisons were performed to assess differences between the two groups. RESULTS: Thyroiditis was observed in a significant proportion of patients with PTC. Patients with associated thyroiditis showed smaller tumors and more favorable clinicopathological characteristics compared to those without thyroiditis. However, no significant differences were observed in major oncological outcomes. Recurrence rates were lower in the thyroiditis group. The presence of thyroiditis was associated with more favorable prognostic features. CONCLUSION: The coexistence of thyroiditis in patients with PTC was associated with more favorable clinicopathological features. However, no significant differences were observed in major oncological outcomes, and the short follow-up period limits the assessment of long-term prognosis. These findings suggest an association with less aggressive initial presentation rather than a definitive prognostic impact.