Carcinoma papillare della tiroide in età pediatrica: descrizione di un caso clinico

Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid is the most common malignant growth affecting the thyroid, currently representing 80% of malignant thyroid neoplasm. Genetic factors, sex, dietary iodine and radiation to the head and neck play a role in etiology. We report a case of papillary thyroid carcinoma in a 7-year 6 month old female, presenting with left laterocervical adenopathy and diagnosed by fine needle aspiration. Histopathological analysis of the gland confirmed the diagnosis and showed the presence of metastases. The patient was treated with total thyroidectomy and iodine 131. Total thyroidectomy with perithyroidal neck dissection is the treatment of choice. For follow-up, we recommend physical examination with measurement of thyroglobulin, ultrasound examination of neck end eventually radioisotope scan with iodine.