Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of thyroid papillary carcinoma

Introduction: Papillary carcinoma is the most common form of primitive thyroid cancer, accounting for 80% to 90% of all thyroid cancers. It would be useful to find predictive factors of papillary thyroid cancer, in order to early identify patients and reduce mortality. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of thyroid papillary carcinoma, both in its micropapillary and advanced stages. Materials and methods: The median interquartile values of the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio was compared in two different groups of patients: patients with papillary thyroid cancer (group A), and patients with benign thyroid goiter (group B). Results: The median neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio values were higher in patients with thyroid cancer if compared to those with benign goiter. Discussion: These results are in accordance with those of other Authors, and suggest that NLR may be a useful, non-expensive and universally available predictor of neoplasia in patients with thyroid disease.