Thyroid cancer in children and adolescents

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Endocrinology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Thyroid cancer in patients under 20 years old presents unique clinical and pathological characteristics.
• Long-term outcomes and treatment efficacy for pediatric thyroid cancer require specific investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report clinical and pathological features of thyroid cancer in 36 patients under 20 years of age.
• To evaluate treatment outcomes, including relapse-free and overall survival.
• To assess the effectiveness of total thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine (131I) therapy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 36 patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer between 1968 and 1988.
• Clinical data collection including diagnosis, treatment (total thyroidectomy, neck dissection, 131I therapy), and follow-up until 1992.
• Pathological review of tumor histology and assessment of nodal involvement and metastases.

Main Results:

• Papillary carcinoma was the most common histology (76.8%).
• Nodal involvement was observed in 73% of cases, with 18% having synchronous visceral metastases.
• 93% of patients achieved complete remission, with a low recurrence rate (3.5%) and no deaths.

Conclusions:

• Total thyroidectomy is recommended for differentiated thyroid tumors in children and adolescents due to disease patterns and improved monitoring.
• Radioactive iodine (131I) therapy is effective and curative for patients with nodal and lung metastases.
• The study demonstrates favorable long-term outcomes with a low recurrence risk for pediatric thyroid cancer treated with this strategy.