Surgery in the setting of Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Hashimoto s thyroiditis (HT) is a chronic autoimmune thyroiditis typically resulting in hypothyroidism. In itself, HT is not an indication for surgery but the co-existence of thyroid nodular disease creates diagnostic and management difficulties. Indications for thyroidectomy include risk of malignancy and pressure symptoms. While fine needle aspirate cytology is effective in the diagnosis of thyroid lesions, in HT there is increased diagnostic uncertainty. This study aimed to document the results of cytology and the rate of malignancy in HT.