Thyroid cancer in pediatric patients: the University Pediatric Hospital experience

Seven patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma were diagnosed and treated at the University Pediatric Hospital, San Juan, Puerto Rico during the years 1978 to 1983. Ages at the time of diagnosis were 6 to 17 years. Survival rate has been 100% at the time of this report. The clinical outcome is presented and the controversy regarding the appropriate surgical treatment for this type of thyroid carcinoma is reviewed. Two of 3 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy were free of disease with 131I one and 3 years after surgery. Hypothyroidism was eventually manifested in all patients and permanent hypoparathyroidism in 3, 2 of those who underwent total thyroidectomies. Follow up interval ranged from one to 10 years.