TITLE:
Thyroid Cancers Diagnosed at the Department of Pathology of CHU/JRA
AUTHORS:
Volahasina Francine Ranaivomanana, Holy Tiana Andrianjafitrimo, Haingo Voahangy Rabetafika Ranaivoson, Nantenaina Soa Randrianjafisamindrakotroka
KEYWORDS:
Cancer, Histology, Papillary Carcinoma, Thyroid
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pathology,
Vol.16 No.2,
February
24,
2026
ABSTRACT: Background: Thyroid cancer is an uncommon malignancy compared with other cancer types and exhibits considerable histological, molecular, and clinical heterogeneity. While the majority of differentiated thyroid carcinomas follow an indolent clinical course, a subset demonstrates aggressive behavior associated with an increased risk of recurrence and disease-related mortality. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive study was conducted on thyroid cancers diagnosed at the Department of Pathology of CHU/JRA, Antananarivo, Madagascar, over a five-year period, from January 2017 to December 2021. All cases with histopathological confirmation of primary thyroid carcinoma were included. Secondary thyroid involvement due to direct extension from adjacent tumors or metastatic disease was excluded. Results: A total of 57 cases were identified during the study period. Patient ages ranged from 15 to 75 years, with a mean age of 46.2 ± 12 years, and a predominance of cases in the 45 - 60-year age group. There was a strong female predominance, with a female-to-male ratio of 2.4:1. The most common mode of presentation was a cervical mass, observed in 94.7% of patients. Macroscopically, nodules were predominantly solid in appearance (36.6%). Papillary thyroid carcinoma was the most frequently diagnosed histological subtype, accounting for 78.9% of cases. Conclusion: Optimal management of thyroid cancer requires a multidisciplinary approach integrating clinical, radiological, and histopathological data to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic decision-making.