Bibliometric and Systematic Review of Thyroid Cancer Research: Temporal and Age-Specific Trends (2000–2020)

Abstract

Background: Thyroid cancer is among the most prevalent endocrine malignancies worldwide, with its incidence showing variable patterns across different histological subtypes and age groups. Understanding the temporal trends and demographic distributions is vital for guiding public health strategies.

Objective: This study aims to quantitatively analyze the research trend of thyroid cancer from 2000 to 2020, with a specific focus on four major histological subtypes: Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma (ATC), Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma (FTC), Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC), and Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC), across different age groups.

Material and Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on studies published between 2000 and 2020. Data was extracted from 556 eligible studies following PRISMA guidelines.

Result: Logistic regression, Annual Percentage Change (APC), and time series forecasting using, Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and Exponential Smoothing models were applied for statistical analysis. PTC emerged as the most prevalent subtype, particularly in individuals over the age of 30. APC analysis indicated a mild increase in PTC and FTC, a marginal decline in ATC, and a significant decrease in MTC. Logistic regression demonstrated strong age-related associations for all subtypes. Forecasting models projected a continued rise in PTC and FTC through 2025.

Conclusion: The incidence of thyroid cancer varies by subtype and age, with older populations showing increased vulnerability. The upward trends in PTC and FTC underscore the need for age-specific screening and resource allocation in healthcare planning.