Differentiated Follicle-Derived Thyroid Carcinoma in Children

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Abstract
Fifteen patients, 11 females and 4 males, aged 4-16 years with follicle-derived differentiated thyroid carcinoma treated at the Helsinki University Central Hospital during 1953 through 1984 are reported. Histologically 13 carcinomata were papillary, 1 follicular and 1 was suspected to be follicular carcinoma (atypic adenoma). Eleven (73%) had cervical lymphnode metastases and 4 (25%) pulmonary metastases as well. All patients were initially operated on; total thyroidectomy was performed in 11 and subtotal in 4 patients. In 5 patients there was invasion into the thyroid capsule, perithyroid tissues and blood vessels; 4 patients with pulmonary metastases belonged to this group. Postoperatively 5 patients received radioactive iodine, 4 patients external irradiation to the neck and 6 were given both types of radiation. Pulmonary metastases were treated with radioactive iodine. The patients have been given suppressive doses of thyroxine. The follow-up ranged from 3.5 to 33 years. One patient with extensive pulmonary metastases died 6 years after the initial treatment, all others are still alive. Twelve patients have been followed for 9 to 33 years, in 10 serum thyroglobulin was determined. Tg was undetectable in 9 patients when measured during thyroxin therapy; in 1 patient followed for 33 years, the dose was not suppressive, and there were no signs of disease and Tg in the normal range. In 2 patients Tg could not be determined but they had no signs of disease 18 and 22 years after initial treatment. It is, therefore, presumed that these patients, forming 80% of the material, are cured. Two patients followed for 3.5 years are still under treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)