Thyroid Cancer in India: Are We Looking at Different disease?

Abstract

Thyroid cancer and particularly differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) are perceived to have unique features in India. Papillary carcinoma (PTC) is the more prevalent type, but the proportional incidence of follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) remains high as compared to other developed nations.[1-3]
Patients present at a relatively younger age with advanced stage resulting in an overall poor outcome. Some studies also suggest that DTC in our country, particularly in iodine-deficient areas, tend to be more virulent.[4,5] These observations force one to think if we are dealing with a different kind of thyroid cancer in India? The basic questions to address are- regarding lower incidence/prevalence of DTC in India, the difference in histology types, (PTC Vs FTC), presentation and outcome, the possible difference at the molecular level and last but not least if we need to follow the ever-changing guidelines for the management of these tumors. Based on own experience and publications from India, I would like to provide some thoughts