Journal List > Korean J Endocr Surg > v.9(4) > 1060370

Jung and Han: Thyroid Carcinoma in Patients Less Than 20 Years of Age at Diagnosis: Clinicopathologic Characteristics

Abstract

Purpose

This study determined the clinicopathologic characteristics in young patients with thyroid carcinoma.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 39 patients who were <20 years of age when diagnosed between January 1985 and December 2008.

Results

The mean age was 17.28 years (range, 4∼20 years). There were 33 females and 6 males, with a mean follow-up period of 110 months (range, 1∼263 months). The initial surgery consisted of total thyroidectomy in 29 patients (74%), and lobectomy and isthmectomy in 10 patients (25%). The mean size of the tumors was 2.56 cm (range 0.4∼7 cm), and 31 (79%) of 39 patients had peri-thyroidal tissue invasion. Papillary and follicular carcinoma was reported in 31 (79%) and 6 patients (15%), respectively. Three patients had a recurrence and no patients had progression of metastasis at the time of diagnosis.

Conclusion

Further collaborative studies are needed to refine the surgical approach, particularly the extent of lymph-node dissection, radioactive iodine dosing, and clinical approach.

References

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Table 1.
Clinical characteristics of patients
Characteristics N=39
Mean age (range) 17.28 (10∼20)
Sex  
 Male 6 (15%)
 Female 33 (85%)
Type of surgery  
 Total thyroidectomy 29 (74%)
 Lobectomy and isthmectomy 10 (25%)
Neck node dissection  
 Modified neck node dissection 9 (23%)
 Central neck node dissection 14 (35%)
Pathology finding  
 Papillary 31 (79%)
 Follicular 6 (15%)
 Micropapillary and follicular 2 (5%)
 Intrathyroid 8 (21%)
 Capsule invasion 31 (79%)
Table 2.
Radioactive iodine therapy
Radioactive iodine therapy
Yes 26 (67%) 28*
No 10 (25%)

* 2 cases = retreatment of radioactive iodine therapy because of recurrences of local lymph node metastasis.

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