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Thyroid carcinoma in children and adolescents
D Danese1, A Gardini, A Farsetti
1Second Chair of Endocrinology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Italy.
European Journal of Pediatrics
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Thyroid carcinoma in children and adolescents is not rare, accounting for 13% of all thyroid cancers. While often involving lymph nodes, distant metastases are uncommon, and the overall prognosis is favorable.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Thyroid carcinoma in pediatric populations requires defined prevalence and clinical characteristics.
- Understanding presentation and outcomes is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the prevalence, clinical presentation, and outcomes of thyroid carcinoma in children and adolescents.
- To analyze clinical and pathological data from a cohort of young patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of clinical records for 48 patients under 20 years old diagnosed with thyroid cancer between 1980 and 1994.
- Analysis of patient demographics, treatment modalities (near-total/partial thyroidectomy, 131I ablation), follow-up periods, and metastasis rates.
Main Results:
- Thyroid carcinoma represented approximately 13% of all thyroid cancers in the study period.
- Female patients predominated (3.8:1 ratio); no history of head and neck irradiation was noted.
- Lymph node metastases occurred in 50% of patients, lung metastases in 4.2%; papillary histology was most common (41/48).
- Surgical complications were observed in 40% of patients; recurrence was rare (1/48).
Conclusions:
- Thyroid carcinoma in childhood is a significant entity, often presenting with lymph node involvement but rarely distant metastases.
- Despite complications, the prognosis for pediatric thyroid carcinoma is generally good.
- Long-term suppressional therapy with 1-thyroxine is standard post-treatment.