Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model
04:39

Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model

Published on: March 17, 2023

Thyroid nodules and cancer in children and adolescents affected by autoimmune thyroiditis

Andrea Corrias1, Alessandra Cassio, Giovanna Weber

  • 1Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy. corrand@libero.it

Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
|June 6, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Juvenile autoimmune thyroiditis (JAT) is linked to thyroid cancer in children, with 3.0% of patients developing papillary carcinoma. Key indicators for malignancy include lymphadenopathy and lack of response to levothyroxine therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Oncology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Juvenile autoimmune thyroiditis (JAT) is a common endocrine disorder in children.
  • The association between JAT and the development of thyroid cancer requires further investigation.
  • Early identification of risk factors in pediatric patients with JAT is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between juvenile autoimmune thyroiditis and thyroid cancer in pediatric patients.
  • To identify clinical and ultrasonographic factors associated with thyroid cancer in children with JAT.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study was conducted across 6 Italian pediatric endocrinology centers.
  • Data from 365 children and adolescents diagnosed with JAT were analyzed.
  • Patients underwent regular clinical examinations, thyroid function tests, and thyroid echography; fine-needle aspiration biopsy and surgery were performed as indicated.

Main Results:

  • Thyroid nodules were detected in 31.5% of patients, with 3.0% diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma.
  • Factors significantly associated with thyroid cancer included male sex (OR, 2.95), nodule growth during levothyroxine therapy (OR, 15.60), and lymphadenopathy (OR, 5.44).
  • Papillary carcinoma was the sole histotype identified, and fine-needle aspiration biopsy proved reliable in surgical selection.

Conclusions:

  • The prevalence of thyroid nodules and cancer in this JAT cohort was 31.5% and 3.0%, respectively.
  • Lymphadenopathy and lack of response to levothyroxine therapy were indicators of malignancy in pediatric patients with JAT.
  • Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is a valuable tool for identifying JAT patients who require surgical intervention for suspected thyroid cancer.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Goiter01:27

Goiter

Goiter refers to an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland that may appear as a diffuse goiter (uniform enlargement) or nodular (single or multiple nodules). Functionally, it is classified as nontoxic (normal/low hormone levels) or toxic (excess hormone production).PathophysiologyDiffuse thyroid enlargement typically results from prolonged stimulation by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) or TSH-like agents, commonly seen in hypothyroidism or iodine deficiency. In contrast, in hyperthyroid...
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology01:27

Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...
Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology01:24

Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...
Graves' Disease I: Introduction01:28

Graves' Disease I: Introduction

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, or overactivity of the thyroid gland. It results from autoantibodies called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs), which bind to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors, leading to overstimulation of hormone production and a hypermetabolic state.EtiologyAlthough considered idiopathic, Graves’ disease has well-established contributing factors. There is a strong genetic component, with increased prevalence in...
Functions of Thyroid Hormones01:18

Functions of Thyroid Hormones

The thyroid hormone (TH) plays a pivotal role in the intricate orchestration of physiological processes, exerting profound effects on development, metabolism, and homeostasis throughout different life stages.
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...
The Thyroid Gland01:23

The Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck and covers the anterior surface of the trachea. The gland has two lateral lobes connected by a thin tissue mass called the isthmus. Internally, each lobe comprises many small spherical structures known as thyroid follicles, surrounded by a network of blood vessels.
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...