Abstract

PRIETO-MATOS, Pablo et al. Pediatric Thyroid Cancer. Rev. ORL [online]. 2021, vol.12, n.4, pp.303-312.  Epub May 02, 2022. ISSN 2444-7986.  https://dx.doi.org/10.14201/orl.25061.

Thyroid cancer is a rare disease in paediatric age; however, it is increasing in the last few years, mainly in adolescent women. Although children and adult thyroid cancer are similar, they have some differences. The aim of this report is to analyse those differences, emphasizing the particularities of thyroid cancer in paediatric age. The development of molecular genetic testing has allowed a deeper understanding of genetic predisposition syndromes, such as MEN2A, which has led to a significant increase in prophylactic thyroidectomies. The most frequent histological group is differentiated cancer, specifically papillary type. At the time of diagnosis in children thyroid cancer presents a greater size and extension, and more probabilities of multifocality and metastasis than in adults. The short-term prognosis is excellent; however, in the long-term there are a significant number of recurrences and second tumours. It is important to carry out a personalized medicine, and to create diagnostic protocols. A Deep tumour characterization and the prognosis stratification will be essential to choose the correct treatment for each case, also to achieve maximum effectiveness, survival and to minimize side effects.

Keywords : thyroid cancer; paediatric thyroid cancer; differentiated thyroid cancer; genetic testing; children.

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