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Updated: Aug 27, 2025

Author Spotlight: Integrating Ultrasound Imaging with Biochemical Markers for Thyroid Disease Diagnosis
Published on: February 9, 2024
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.
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.
Abstract:
Pediatric thyroid cancer is rare in children; however, incidence is increasing. Papillary thyroid cancer and follicular thyroid cancer are the most common subtypes, comprising about 90% and 10% of cases, respectively. This paper provides consensus imaging recommendations for evaluation of pediatric patients with thyroid cancer at diagnosis and during follow-up.
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