Objetive:

This study aimed to identify potential risk factors for developing thyroid cancer in the population attached to the San Rafael de Alajuela Hospital (HSRA) in Costa Rica.

Materials and methods:

A case-control study was developed in the population attached to the HSRA. We worked with the entire population attached to this hospital, from this, the cases presented between January 2009 and even December 2013 (a five-year period) were selected. Results: Most are women in both cases (76%) and controls (69%). The five-year age distribution is similar between both groups. In the studied population the line of presentation of the disease is maintained affecting more individuals aged between 25 and 65 years, predominantly in females; within the assessment for possible thyroid cancer we must keep in mind the history of overweight and obesity besides hereditary familial history of thyroid disease.

Conclusions:

Sex was identified as a risk factor for thyroid Ca, the other variables analyzed do not have a statistically significant association to be considered as risk factors.

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