ObjectiveTo explore the clinicopathologic characteristics, diagnosis and therapy of differentiated thyroid cancer in children and adolescents.
MethodsThe files of 68 children with differentiated thyroid cancer in our hospital from 1989-2002 were retrospectively reviewed.
ResultsAll patients received operation and postoperative thyroxin therapy. Seventeen patients underwent near-total or total thyroidectomy and 51 patients underwent ipsilateral subtotal thyroidectomy. Central compartment, unilateral and bilateral cervical lymphadenectomy was performed in 24,36, and 8 patients respectively. The patients in this group were all alive during one year to three years follow up (4 patients were lost to followup contact after three years).
ConclusionsThe optimal treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer in pediatric patients continues to be debated. The leading treatment is surgical. Selection of proper surgical procedure and comprehensive postoperative therapy are important for good outcome.Endocrine therapy was given to all of the patients postoperatively.