Epstein-Barr Virus and Thyroid Cancer

Abstract

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) seroprevalence is extremely high worldwide. This member of the herpesvirus family is considered to be a human carcinogen, implicated in lymphoid and epithelial malignancies. Because of its characteristics, EBV has been investigated in thyroid specimens, especially in autoimmune and neoplastic lesions. However, the role of EBV in thyroid diseases is still unclear. Reports on its presence in thyroid cancer (TC) vary drastically according to population and applied methodology. This review presents the history of EBV and TC, aiming to better understand the role of this oncogenic virus in thyroid tumorigenesis. We hope to assist researchers, and we discuss possible approaches to better understand the role of EBV in TC.