Updated: May 2003

The general guidelines for adults are also applicable for younger patients. In general, younger patients have a more favorable prognosis. The concern that should exist is the use of radioactive isotope treatment or external irradiation in view of the long-term hazards related to radiation. The standard procedure should be a near total thyroidectomy to remove the disease completely and possibly avoid the need for adjuvant treatment. It follows that an experienced head and neck surgeon be involved in the initial surgical management of children with thyroid carcinoma.