[Nodular pathology of the thyroid: epidemiological aspects and predisposing factors]

The knowledge of epidemiological data and predisposing factors can provide an important contribution to the correct diagnosis and therapy of thyroid nodules which are one of the more frequently detected signs of thyroid disease. The authors reviewed the main epidemiological data reported in the literature. Clinical studies, performed on groups of people with different age, sex and geographical origin, have been examined, along with data obtained from echographic screening and autoptic series. It is well known that most of echographically detected thyroid nodules may be missed even at an accurate clinical examination. The main predisposing factors have been analyzed, with special attention to therapeutic and incidental or war radiation exposure. Epidemiological data may allow us to identify all possible risk factors in order to correctly plan a diagnostic-therapeutic schedule.