Concurrent Hashimoto Thyroiditis, Graves’ Disease, and Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Case Report

Abstract

Background and Clinical Significance: The co-occurrence of Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT), Graves’ disease (GD), and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is an extremely rare event and offers a unique opportunity to examine how chronic autoimmune thyroid disease may interact with the process of thyroid cancer development. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 42-year-old female with long-standing autoimmune thyroid disorders who developed progressive Graves’-related orbitopathy that did not improve with corticosteroid therapy. Owing to persistent hyperthyroidism and worsening orbital symptoms, she underwent total thyroidectomy. A histopathological examination of the removed thyroid gland surprisingly found PTC developing within a background of chronic autoimmune inflammation. The patient’s postoperative course included stable thyroid hormone replacement, a significant decrease in serum levels of thyroid autoantibodies, and clinical improvement in her orbital symptoms following decompressive surgery, although partial visual impairment persisted. Conclusions: This case highlights how chronic thyroid autoimmunity may create a carcinogenic environment and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive histopathological assessment and multidisciplinary care for patients with complex autoimmune thyroid disease.