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Thyroid carcinoma in children and adolescents: a retrospective review

Filipa Neiva1, Joana Mesquita, Susana Paco Lima

  • 1Unidade de Endocrinologia Pediátrica, Serviço Pediatria, Hospital São João, Porto, Portugal. afneiva@gmail.com

Endocrinologia Y Nutricion : Organo De La Sociedad Espanola De Endocrinologia Y Nutricion
|January 7, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Thyroid carcinoma (TC) affects children and adolescents, often presenting as a solitary thyroid nodule. Early detection and comprehensive management are crucial for favorable outcomes in pediatric thyroid cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Otorhinolaryngology

Background:

  • Thyroid carcinoma (TC) is rare in pediatric populations but requires specific clinical consideration.
  • Understanding the unique presentation and management of TC in young patients is essential for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, treatment, and outcomes of pediatric and adolescent patients diagnosed with thyroid carcinoma.
  • To analyze surgical complications and long-term survival rates in this specific demographic.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of clinical data from pediatric and adolescent patients diagnosed with TC between January 1, 2000, and March 31, 2010.
  • Inclusion criteria involved patients under 18 years of age at the time of diagnosis.

Main Results:

  • Twenty-three patients (19 female, 4 male) were identified, with a median age of 17.0 years.
  • The most common presentation was a solitary thyroid nodule (60.8%). Differentiated TC, predominantly papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC, 86.9%), was diagnosed in all patients.
  • All patients received thyroxine suppressive therapy, and 20 underwent radioactive iodine (131I) therapy. Despite 7 patients developing metastases, all are alive after a median follow-up of 7.1 years.

Conclusions:

  • Thyroid carcinoma is a significant clinical entity in the pediatric population.
  • Routine thyroid examinations should be integrated into the standard clinical evaluation of children and adolescents to facilitate early detection.
Abstract

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