Thyroid carcinoma in children.

A study was made of 24 children under 15 years with thyroid cancer diagnosed during the years 1959-1967. None of the children had received irradiation treatment prior to diagnosis. Treatment took the form of surgery in combination with hormone and/or irradiation therapy. Of the 24 patients, only one died as a result of postoperative complications, even though 17% had lung metastases and 58% lymph gland metastases. The children were observed on average seven years, 10 months and the longest period of observation was 12 years, six months. The treatment recommended is total lobectomy on the affected side and subtotal on the opposite side. Cervical lymph glands with metastases are extirpated. Thyroid hormone treatment should be given immediately after surgery.