Imaging of pediatric thyroid tumors: A COG Diagnostic Imaging Committee/SPR Oncology Committee White Paper

Judy H Squires1,2, Claudia Martinez-Rios3,4, James C Davis5,6

  • 1Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.

Pediatric Blood & Cancer
|September 27, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric thyroid cancer incidence is rising. This paper offers consensus imaging guidelines for evaluating children with thyroid cancer at diagnosis and during follow-up.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric oncology
  • Radiology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Pediatric thyroid cancer, though rare, shows an increasing incidence.
  • Papillary and follicular thyroid cancer are the predominant subtypes in children.
  • Accurate imaging is crucial for diagnosis and management of pediatric thyroid cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish consensus imaging recommendations for pediatric thyroid cancer.
  • To guide the evaluation of pediatric patients at initial diagnosis.
  • To provide imaging guidance for the follow-up of pediatric thyroid cancer cases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and expert consensus.
  • Development of evidence-based imaging protocols.
  • Multidisciplinary review of diagnostic and follow-up strategies.

Main Results:

  • Specific imaging modalities and sequences recommended for initial staging.
  • Guidelines for surveillance imaging to detect recurrence or metastasis.
  • Recommendations for evaluating treatment response.

Conclusions:

  • Standardized imaging protocols are essential for optimal pediatric thyroid cancer care.
  • Adherence to consensus recommendations can improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.
  • Imaging plays a vital role throughout the continuum of pediatric thyroid cancer management.

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