Evaluation of platelet indices as a useful marker in papillary thyroid carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to investigate platelets (PLT) and their indices - mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW) and plateletcrit (PCT) - in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid disorders.

BACKGROUND: Platelet and platelet indices recently started to be defined as an useful clinical marker in cancer patients. Their higher reproducibility rates and low cost provide them a wide range of usage.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: One-hundred and sixty patients were divided into three groups retrospectively. Group 1: papillary thyroid carcinoma patients (n = 65). Group 2: multi-nodular goiter patients (n = 65). Group 3: normal healthy subjects (n = 30). PLT, MPV, PDW and PCT measurements were compared between groups, and p < 0.05 was accepted as significant.

RESULTS: PDW was found to be significantly decreased in Group 1 (p < 0.01), and PCT was observed to be significantly increased in Group 1 (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in PLT and MPV results.

CONCLUSION: Statistically significant increases in PCT and decreases in PDW were observed in papillary thyroid cancer patients when compared with other groups. Platelet indices may be used as useful clinical markers in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid disorders (Tab. 1, Fig. 2, Ref. 21).