Thyroid nodules and cancer during pregnancy, post-partum and preconception planning: Addressing the uncertainties and challenges

Thyroid cancer and pregnancy: a systematic ten-year-review

Background

Thyroid cancer is the second most common malignancy during pregnancy, especially the well-differentiated thyroid cancer (well-DTC). Therefore, complex medical and social dilemmas arise, dealing with which requires deep knowledge of the nature and characteristics of the disease and pregnancy as a whole. The purpose of this review is to present the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies of thyroid cancer during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Methods

Extended review of the literature [2011-2023] was performed. Two hundred ninety-six articles were found, from which 225 were excluded due to irrelevant subjects. Seventy-one articles were assessed for eligibility, from which 33 articles were cohort studies and case reports and were included in the review.

Results

From the 33 included studies, 18 were retrospective cohort studies, 1 was cohort study, 2 were case control studies, 1 was meta-analysis and 11 were case reports. The primary endpoints of these studies refer to the progression and recurrence of DTC during pregnancy, the prevalence of thyroid cancer in pregnancy and the most appropriate time for surgical intervention.

Conclusions

The majority of the studies agree that well-differentiated tumors with mild clinical and imaging characteristics do not require immediate surgical treatment, but mere monitoring. Surgery can be delayed after childbirth. In contrast, tumors with aggressive behavior as well as non-differentiated ones, require immediate surgery because delay under these circumstances can dramatically reduce survival rates. Finally, a history of thyroid cancer does not seem to affect future deliveries, on condition that no residual disease exists at the onset of pregnancy.

Acute increase in a thyroid cyst during cesarean section under general anesthesia in a full-term parturient: a case report

Background

Pregnancy is associated with thyroid nodule formation and increased size. However, an acute increase in thyroid cysts during cesarean section is unusual.

Case Description

We describe the case of a 23-year-old primiparous woman at 37 weeks of gestation, without a history of thyroid disease, who underwent a cesarean section under general anesthesia. When the baby was delivered after induction of general anesthesia, the patient's airway pressure increased by approximately 5-7 mmHg, and her blood pressure increased to 170/78 mmHg. After delivery of the baby, the mother's anterior region of the neck began to swell, and ultrasonography revealed a large cystic mass. Even after aspiration of approximately 120 mL of dark brown intra-cystic fluid, the neck swelled again. Airway and blood pressure decreased after delivery and remained within the normal range until the end of surgery. Computed tomography performed after recovery from anesthesia revealed an approximately 320 mL-sized hemorrhagic cyst in the left thyroid gland with right tracheal deviation. Despite repeated aspirations and two alcohol ablations, the cyst's size increased rapidly, and the patient underwent radiofrequency ablation.

Conclusions

This case indicates that rapid increases in intrathoracic and blood pressure could precipitate a rapid increase in pre-existing thyroid cysts in a parturient during delivery.

Landmark Discoveries in Maternal-Fetal Thyroid Disease Over the Past Century

There have been significant advancements in the understanding of maternal-fetal disease over the past century. This narrative review summarizes the landmark studies that have advanced the understanding of thyroid pathophysiology and thyroid disease during preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum, written to commemorate the 100th year anniversary of the founding of the American Thyroid Association.

A practical approach to the management of thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy

Pregnancy has an important impact on the thyroid gland and its function. Thyroid activity changes as a consequence of the novel physiological state of pregnancy and requires a complex hormonal and metabolic adaptation, which is possible only in the presence of a perfectly functioning thyroid gland. In fact, thyroid function is crucial for the success of the implantation and the progression of pregnancy. Abnormal thyroid function is very common among childbearing age women, explaining the high incidence of thyroid diseases that occur during pregnancy. Aim of this work is to analyze the adaptive events that characterize the thyroid function during pregnancy, exploring their hormonal, metabolic and molecular mechanisms. Moreover, the interpretation of the laboratory data necessary to monitor the thyroid functioning during normal pregnancy or in the presence of thyroid abnormalities will be discussed.

SFE-AFCE-SFMN 2022 Consensus on the management of thyroid nodules : Thyroid nodules and pregnancy

The SFE-AFCE-SFMN 2022 consensus deals with the management of thyroid nodules, a condition that is a frequent reason for consultation in endocrinology. In more than 90% of cases, patients are euthyroid, with benign non-progressive nodules that do not warrant specific treatment. The clinician's objective is to detect malignant thyroid nodules at risk of recurrence and death, toxic nodules responsible for hyperthyroidism or compressive nodules warranting treatment. The diagnosis and treatment of thyroid nodules requires close collaboration between endocrinologists, nuclear medicine physicians and surgeons, but also involves other specialists. Therefore, this consensus statement was established jointly by 3 societies: the French Society of Endocrinology (SFE), French Association of Endocrine Surgery (AFCE) and French Society of Nuclear Medicine (SFMN); the various working groups included experts from other specialties (pathologists, radiologists, pediatricians, biologists, etc.). The present section deals with the epidemiology and specificities of diagnosis and treatment of thyroid nodules in pregnant women.

Thyroid cancer in women of reproductive age: Key issues for the clinical team

Women who are fertile experience a significant burden from thyroid cancer. In reality, delaying childbirth is the current trend in maternity. Women who have thyroid cancer may later want to get pregnant after it has been treated, which presents a multidisciplinary issue for their doctors. A variety of specialists are frequently involved in the treatment of thyroid cancer. This review aims to address the key elements of the strategy and places special emphasis on the significance of fertility in women with thyroid cancer diagnosis and remission. We will cover topics including the role of thyroid hormones in pregnancy and fertility.