Epidemiology of thyroid disease

: Thyroid dysfunction induces clinical problems even in the stage of subclinical. Patients with clinical signs suggesting thyroid dysfunction, as well as pregnant women, should be examine their thyroid function despite the high prevalence, 7-10% of adults. Thyroid nodules, most of which should not be treated blindly, are frequently found in the ultrasonographic screening. Therefore, careful consideration regarding the method in dealing thyroid nodules is necessary to avoid unnecessary clinical examinations and treatments. In the screening program of thyroid disease for children and adolescents after the accident of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, importance of epidemiological findings is growing to assess the results.