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Spontaneous Murine Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Published on: February 3, 2023
Papillary thyroid carcinoma does not have standard course in children
Ibrahim Karnak1, Burak Ardıçlı, Saniye Ekinci
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey. ikarnak@hacettepe.edu.tr
Pediatric Surgery International
|May 25, 2011
Summary
Surgery for pediatric papillary thyroid carcinoma involves total thyroidectomy and lymph node excision. In younger children, modified lymph node dissection may improve ablation therapy efficacy by reducing residual tumor.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Endocrine Surgery
- Oncology
Background:
- Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in children generally has a good prognosis.
- Recent cases of early recurrence in young children after standard surgery prompted a review of surgical outcomes.
- This study retrospectively analyzed surgical management of PTC in pediatric patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review surgical experience with pediatric papillary thyroid carcinoma.
- To evaluate surgical outcomes and complications in children treated for PTC.
- To identify factors influencing recurrence and treatment efficacy, particularly in younger children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 16 children who underwent surgery for PTC between 1997 and 2010.
- Evaluation of patient demographics, clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, surgical procedures, and postoperative outcomes.
- Analysis of complications and the need for complementary treatments like radioactive iodine ablation.
Main Results:
- The male to female ratio was 3:1, with a mean age of 10.9 years.
- Presenting symptoms included neck swelling (n=12) or incidental nodules (n=4).
- Pulmonary metastasis occurred in 3 patients; 11 patients received radioactive iodine ablation therapy for residual/recurrent disease. Postoperative complications included hypoparathyroidism and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury.
Conclusions:
- Total thyroidectomy with lymph node excision is the standard surgical approach for pediatric PTC.
- Modified lymph node dissection may be beneficial in younger children (<10 years) to minimize residual tumor and enhance ablation therapy effectiveness.
- Careful surgical planning is crucial to optimize outcomes and minimize recurrence in pediatric papillary thyroid carcinoma.
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