STATISTICAL ANALYSIS AND COMPARISON OF DATA ON PATIENTS WITH THYROID CANCER IN THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA AND THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA IN THE PERIOD FROM 2014 TO 2018

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INTRODUCTION
Thyroid cancers have been on the rise in recent years. Thyroid cancer is not the most common neoplasm, but it is the most common malignant tumor of the endocrine system. One of the direct causes is the increase in ionizing radiation. According to estimates by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, in 2012 around 300,000 people worldwide were diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and in Europe less than 53,000 people. In Macedonia, the incidence of thyroid cancer for both sexes is 56 cases per 100,000 population, while the number of deaths is 14 cases per 100,000 population.
The incidence is three times higher in women than in men. Most of the patients are over 50 years old. There is also a genetic predisposition.
Thyroid nodules (nodules) in the thyroid gland are a common finding of ultrasonography, especially in women. They are usually benign. In 95% of cases, thyroid cancers present as a nodule. Symptoms and signs of thyroid nodules are: • Painless lump or nodule that is hard, irregular and immobile. This is also the most common sign of thyroid cancer; • The lymph nodes may be swollen (regional lymphadenopathy) and the voice may become hoarse as the tumor presses on the nerves leading to the vocal cords (larynx); • Some patients may have a feeling of tightness or a blocked throat and have difficulty breathing (stridor) and swallowing (dysphagia).
The prognosis is good compared to other neoplasms that can occur in the human body. The total survival of patients with papillary type of cancer is 94%, with follicular 85%, medullary 79%.
Given the fact that thyroid disease is becoming a major public health problem in the world, prevention, early diagnosis and timely treatment are the best ways to reduce the global growth of thyroid cancer, including all other thyroid diseases. [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9]  The results were detailed, analyzed and statistically presented in the paper in tables and graphs. The aim of the paper is to differentiate between the results obtained for patients with thyroid cancer in both countries and to see if this type of cancer is on the rise in both countries and if the numbers are approximate. In RN Macedonia in a period of 5 years there were a total of 393 patients with present malignant neoplasia of the thyroid gland.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
In In 2016, the number of newly discovered cases was 664, of which 155 were men and 509 were women. In 2017, the number of newly diagnosed cases was 690 of which 545 were women and 145 were men. The total number of men suffering from malignant neoplasia of the thyroid gland in the period from 2013 to 2017 is 736, while the number of newly diagnosed patients in the same period is 2673. According to the obtained data, the most diagnosed patients are aged 60 to 64 years (425 total newly diagnosed).   Republic of Croatia, newly registered cases of thyroid cancer Male Female

CONCLUSION
In RN Macedonia the incidence or the number of new patients with thyroid cancer for both sexes is increasing. The increased incidence is probably due to the increased increase in diagnosis of the disease in the early, subclinical stages (small papillary carcinoma). Survival from thyroid cancer depends on the stage at which it is detected, generally the percentage of survivors is high. Due to the possibility of recurrence, regular check-ups are required.

SOURCES OF FUNDING
This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.