title: The epidemiology of thyroid disease.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Thyroid disorders are prevalent and their manifestations are determined by the dietary iodine availability.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data from screening large population samples from USA and Europe.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The most common cause of thyroid disorders worldwide is iodine deficiency, leading to goitre formation and hypothyroidism. In iodine-replete areas, most persons with thyroid disorders have autoimmune disease.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Definition of thyroid disorders, selection criteria used, influence of age and sex, environmental factors and the different techniques used for assessment of thyroid function.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Increasing incidence of well-differentiated thyroid cancer. Environmental iodine influences the epidemiology of non-malignant thyroid disease.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Iodine supplementation of populations with mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency. An evidence-based strategy for the risk stratification, treatment and follow-up of benign nodular thyroid disease. Is there any benefit in screening adults for thyroid dysfunction?
authors: Department of Endocrinology, Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust, Pond Street, London NW3 2QG, UK. mark.vanderpump@nhs.net
authors: Mark P J
authors: MP
authors: Vanderpump
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D015987:Effect Modifier, Epidemiologic; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007455:Iodine / Q000172:deficiency / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D013959:Thyroid Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D013960:Thyroid Function Tests / Q000379:methods*; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000473:pathology; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D014131:Trace Elements; D007455:Iodine