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Thyroid and parathyroid disease in children

Shawn D Safford1, Michael A Skinner

  • 1Department of Surgery, Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, Virginia, USA.

Seminars in Pediatric Surgery
|April 18, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric thyroid and parathyroid diseases, though rare, can have serious consequences if missed. This review covers their development, structure, function, and common benign and malignant conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric endocrinology
  • Head and neck surgery
  • Developmental biology

Background:

  • Thyroid and parathyroid disorders are uncommon in pediatric populations.
  • Missed diagnoses in children can lead to severe health implications.
  • Understanding these glands is crucial for early detection and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the embryology, anatomy, and physiology of the thyroid and parathyroid glands in children.
  • To focus on significant benign and malignant pathologies affecting these glands in pediatric patients.
  • To provide a comprehensive resource for clinicians managing pediatric endocrine conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of embryology, anatomy, physiology, and pathology of pediatric thyroid and parathyroid glands.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge on benign and malignant conditions.
  • Focus on clinically relevant aspects for diagnosis and management.

Main Results:

  • Detailed description of gland development and structure.
  • Overview of normal physiological functions.
  • Categorization and discussion of key benign and malignant pathologies, including their clinical presentations and diagnostic considerations.

Conclusions:

  • Early recognition of thyroid and parathyroid conditions in children is vital due to potential severity.
  • This review consolidates essential information on pediatric thyroid and parathyroid gland diseases.
  • A thorough understanding of these glands aids in timely diagnosis and effective treatment strategies.

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