The current management of thyroid tumors in childhood.

Thyroid cancer is a rare but intriguing malignancy when it occurs in childhood and adolescence. Although it often presents at a more advanced stage than similar adult thyroid tumors, the biologic behavior is more benign, accounting for improved survival. Therefore, pediatricians and surgeons have debated the wisdom of aggressive versus conservative surgical approaches. Although the final answers have not been achieved it has become increasingly clear that radical surgical approaches may be unnecessary. Further investigation of the tumor cell biology, genetics, and molecular biology of thyroid tumors may allow prospective classification of children so that the best operative and adjuvant management can be selected for each individual.