Obesity as a risk factor for thyroid cancer
Antonio Matrone, Federica Ferrari, Ferruccio Santini, Rossella Elisei
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In this review, we evaluate recent findings related to the association between obesity and thyroid cancer. RECENT FINDINGS: During the last several decades, the prevalence of obesity and thyroid cancer have been increasing in parallel on a global scale. Current evidence suggests that the growing incidence of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is pathogenically linked to the spread of obesity, but the biological mechanisms that may explain this connection have been only partially described. Furthermore, unlike other tumors, data on the impacts of obesity on the aggressiveness of DTC and response to treatment of DTC remain conflicting. SUMMARY: Emergent knowledge regarding the links between obesity and thyroid cancer suggests a relevant role for obesity as a risk factor for DTC, with no apparent impact on its aggressiveness.