Volcanoes and Carcinoma of the Thyroid: A Possible Association

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Abstract
Environmental factors contributing to incidences of thyroid carcinoma are re-evaluated and emphasized. Thyroid cancers appear to occur independent of endemic goiter, based on epidemiologic and histologic evidence. The numbers of thyroid cancer incidences available from cancer registries are analyzed in an attempt to identify a specific environmental carcinogenic agent. The presence of active volcanoes that produce abundant lava is found to be the common denominator in Iceland and Hawaii, where the incidence of thyroid cancer is outstandingly high. Comparison with other areas with active volcanoes is made. The presence of a carcinogenic agent in the lava is postulated and its possible mode of action on humans through fish products is hypothesized.

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