Does Chernobyl Accident Have Any Effect on Thyroid Cancers in Turkey? a Retrospective Review of Thyroid Cancers from 1982 to 2006

Besides the genetic and environmental factors, radiation is an important aetiological cause in the occurrence of thyroid cancer (TC), particularly papillary carcinoma. Chernobyl disaster led to a dramatic increase in the frequency of TC in Eastern Europe. We aimed to determine the data of TC in our unit from 1982 to 2006 and whether Chernobyl disaster has a possible effect on TC distribution. The data of 351 patients with TC are reviewed retrospectively. The dates at diagnosis were classified in five time periods. The ratios of TCs in our unit were concordant with the literature. Comparing the five 5-year periods, there was a significant decrease in the ratio of follicular carcinoma (p0.05). The ratio of papillary microcarcinoma increased (p