Differentiated thyroid cancer in childhood: A literature update

Abstract

Differentiated thyroid cancer in childhood is rare. Apart from family history, radiation exposure is a major risk factor. Although its clinical course is quite aggressive with higher rates of lymph node and pulmonary metastases as compared to adults, the final outcome tends to be favorable with mortality rates less than 2%. We herein review the clinical picture, genetic background response to treatment and recurrence rates of differentiated thyroid cancer in children and young adolescents are thoroughly reviewed and the main differences with adult differentiated thyroid cancer are highlighted.