GENDER AND AGE-RELATED DIFFERENCES IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF NEOPLASTIC AND NON-NEOPLASTIC THYROID LESIONS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Objective: To determine age and gender-wise distribution of the benign and malignant thyroid lesions.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2021 to August 2022, and a total of 100 participants were enrolled in the investigation. Data was collected from the surgical department of Nasser Teaching Hospital Peshawar, encompassing both men and women individuals who had undergone thyroidectomy. Study data was extracted from the department records.

Results: Our study involved 100 post-thyroidectomy patients, ages ranging from 20 to 70 years, comprising 15 males and 85 females. Most of the patients had non-neoplastic lesions.

The most prevalent non-neoplastic lesions were hyperplastic and inflammatory lesions with a higher incidence among females (60.0%). Within the neoplastic group, most of the cases were benign followed by malignant lesions upon microscopic examination.

Conclusion: This study highlights a significant gender and age-related disparity in thyroid lesions. Non-neoplastic conditions, such as hyperplastic thyroid nodules, were more common in females, particularly aged 30 to 50. In contrast, males had a slightly higher occurrence of neoplastic lesions, including malignancies in younger individuals. These findings emphasize the need for early detection and gender-specific strategies in managing thyroid diseases. Further research is required to understand this disparity for preventive and therapeutic purposes.