Objective To analyze the clinical relationship between primary hyperthyroidism and thyroid carcinoma, and diagnosis and treatment for the combination of the two. Methods The clinical data of 15 patients with primary hyperthyroidism complicated with thyroid carcinoma from January 1998 to December 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. Results Fifteen cases were smoothly discharged. The morbidity was 2.56% (15/585) of primary hyperthyroidism complicated with thyroid carcinoma. There were no operative complications. Five cases showed thyroid nodules and all cases were performed thyroidectomy. Neither hyperthyroidism nor thyroid carcinoma recurred during 9 months to 10 years (average 5.5 years) follow-up.Conclusions The diagnosis of primary hyperthyroidism complicated with thyroid carcinoma is still difficult to be made preoperatively and chiefly depend on postoperative pathology. Rational surgical treatment can result in good effectiveness and better prognosis.