Análisis Epidemiológico de la prevalencia y factores de riesgo de Cáncer Tiroideo en la provincia del Cotopaxi

Abstract

Background: Thyroid cancer is the most frequent malignant neoplasm of the endocrine system; it is characterized by a progressive increase in its incidence worldwide. Although it has a high survival rate, its epidemiological behavior shows differences according to sex, age, and geographical context, making it necessary to analyze its distribution at the local level. Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of the prevalence and risk factors among thyroid cancer cases recorded in the province of Cotopaxi during the period 2019-2024. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, and retrospective study, based on secondary data analysis, was conducted. The population comprised 110 records of thyroid cancer cases (ICD-10: C73) among residents of the province of Cotopaxi during the period 2019-2024. Results: One hundred and ten cases were recorded during the study period, with the highest frequency occurring in 2022 (27.3%). Females predominated, accounting for 83.6% of the cases. The average age was 48.8 years (SD 17.4), with a minimum age of 14 and a maximum age of 85 years; the 40–59 age group (30.0%) and ≥60 age group (32.7%) accounted for the highest proportion. Sixty-eight point two percent of the cases corresponded to urban areas. Most patients were alive at discharge (95.4%), and the average length of hospital stay was 3.9 days. Conclusion: Thyroid cancer showed more predominance among women and had a higher prevalence among middle-aged adults and those from urban areas, with a low incidence of deaths during the study period.

Keywords: thyroid gland diseases; epidemiology; thyroid gland neoplasms