Higher serum TSH in thyroid cancer patients occurs independent of age and correlates with extrathyroidal extension

Summary Background It has previously been shown that higher serum TSH is associated with increased thyroid cancer incidence and advanced‐stage disease. In the healthy adult population, mean TSH increases with age. As age over 45 years is a known prognostic indicator for thyroid cancer, it is important to know whether higher TSH in patients with thyroid cancer occurs independent of age. Objective To determine the relationship between higher TSH, cancer and age. Design A retrospective cohort study. Patients and methods A total of 1361 patients underwent thyroid surgery between May 1994 and December 2007 at a single institution. Of these patients, 954 had pathological data, preoperative TSH and complete surgical history available. Data were analysed in relation to age and TSH. Results Mean TSH was significantly higher in cancer patients regardless of age