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Home Thyroid Carcinoma
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What is thyroid carcinmoa?
Thyroid carcinoma is a cancer that occurs in the thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland that is located in the neck, just below the Adam's apple. The thyroid gland makes and stores hormones that regulate growth and development in childhood. Hormones made in the thyroid gland also regulate metabolism (the rate at which food is converted to energy) body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and affect the muscles, the nervous system and other organs.

Thryoid carcinoma occurs when cells in the gland become abnormal and grow out of control. Thyroid cancer can also metastacize (spread) to other parts of the body. Although thyroid carcinoma can occur at any age, it is usually found in young people ages 15 to 19.

As you read further below, you will find general information about thyroid carcinoma. If you would like to view summary information about cancer first, see the cancer overview.

There are four types of thyroid cancer:

  • papillary - develops in cells that produce thyroid hormones containing iodine. This type of cancer grows very slowly and can usually be treated successfully, even if it has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
  • follicular - also develops in cells that produce thyroid hormones containing iodine. However, this type of cancer can be difficult to control if it spreads to the neck region or via blood vessels to more distant parts of the body, usually the lungs.
  • medullary - develops in cells that produce calcitonin, a hormone that does not contain iodine. This cancer tends to spread to other parts of the body. This cancer is genetically determined, and is certain families, even young children are at risk.
  • anaplastic - the fastest growing of the thyroid cancers, with extremely abnormal cells that grow and spread rapidly. This tumor is characterized by growing aggressively in the neck.
What causes thyroid carcinoma?
The cause of thryoid cancer is not completely understood. One known risk factor for certain types of thyroid cancer is exposure to radiation therapy for other problems at an early age. Another types of thyroid cancer, called medullary thyroid cancer, may have an alteration in a gene called the RET gene that can be inherited.
What are the symptoms of thyroid carcinoma?
The following are the most common symptoms of thyroid carcinoma. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include, but are not limited, to the following:
  • a lump in the neck
  • swollen lymph nodes
  • a tight or full feeling in the neck
  • trouble with breathing or swallowing, hoarseness
The symptoms of thyroid cancer may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
How is thyroid carcinoma diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination of your child, diagnostic procedures for thyroid cancer may include:
  • head and neck examination - your child's physician will feel the head and neck area for unusual lumps
  • blood tests - a measure of levels of certain substances in the blood will tell how well the thyroid is functioning
  • ultrasound (also called sonography) - a diagnostic imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs as they function, and to assess blood flow through various vessels.
  • radioactive iodine scan - to outline abnormal areas of the thyroid, a small amount of a radioactive substance is given to the patient; a scanner detects areas in the thyroid that do no absorb iodine in the normal way
  • biopsy of the tumor - a sample of tissue removed from the tumor and examined under a microscope; performed by surgeons. This can be done either by using a fine needle or by an incisional operative technique.
What are the treatments for thyroid carcinoma?
Specific treatment for thyroid carcinoma will be determined by your child's physician based on:
  • your child's age, overall health, and medical history
  • extent of the disease
  • your child's tolerance of specific medications, procedures, or therapies
  • how your child's physician expects the disease may progress
  • your opinion or preference
Treatment may include:
  • surgery - surgery is used to remove as much of the tumor as possible and lymph nodes affected by cancer; if necessary, surgeons may remove the entire thyroid, called a total thyroidectomy
  • radioactive iodine therapy - radioactive iodine medication destroys cancer cells that are left after surgery and helps prevent the disease from returning
  • hormone therapy - given to patients who have had surgery to remove the thyroid gland and who have undergone radioactive iodine treatment to both replace normal hormones and slow the growth of cancer cells
What is the latest research on thyroid carcinoma?
Children's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute are conducting numerous research studies that will help clinicians better understand and treat thyroid carcinoma.
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