Table 2. Thyroid Carcinomas in Children
| Histology | Associated Chromosomal Abnormality | Presentation | Diagnosis | Treatment |
| EGF = epidermal growth factor; MEN2 = multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2; TSH = thyroid-stimulating hormone. | ||||
| Papillary thyroid carcinoma (differentiated with generally a benign course) | RET/PTC more common in children. BRAF V600E mutations seen in adults are rare in children. | Thyroid mass. Prepubertal children more often with nodal and lung metastases. | Ultrasound, TSH, thyroglobulin. Fine needle or open biopsy. | Total or near-total thyroidectomy; I-131; thyroid hormone. In metastatic or recurrent disease, tyrosine kinase or EGF receptor inhibitors may be of benefit. |
| Follicular thyroid carcinoma (differentiated with generally benign course) | Sporadic or familial | Thyroid mass. Prepubertal children more often with nodal and lung metastases. | Ultrasound, TSH, thyroglobulin. Fine needle or open biopsy. | Total or near-total thyroidectomy; I-131; thyroid hormone. In metastatic or recurrent disease, tyrosine kinase or EGF receptor inhibitors may be of benefit. |
| Medullary thyroid carcinoma | MEN2 | Aggressive. 50% with metastases at presentation. | In familial MEN2, RET testing. | Aggressive surgical intervention. Prophylactic thyroidectomy is indicated in familial cases. |
