[Chronological changes in the representation of papillary and follicular carcinomas in our patient group 1960-1993].

BACKGROUND: Differentiated carcinoma of the thyroid gland is globally changing its character and occurrence frequency. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients sent to the Clinic of Nuclear Medicine in Prague, Motole in order to undergo the radioactive iodine therapy during the period from 1960 to 1993 in comparison to the set of patients of the 1950-1959 period. MAIN RESULTS: A conspicuous change took place in the proportion of papillary and follicular carcinomas. The previous predominance of follicular carcinoma has turned to the predominance of papillary carcinoma, the occurrence of which is increasing. The authors see the causes not only in introduction of iodidation which decreases the occurrence of more aggressive forms of differentiated carcinoma, but also in radioactive fall, as well as in the change of diagnostic procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of differentiated carcinoma is so far increasing, but in the recent years the increase of more aggressive forms of the disease (follicular carcinoma) has ceased and an expressive increase of less aggressive papillary carcinoma is continuing. (Tab. 1, Ref. 14.).