Abstract

Thyroid disease in childhood is extremely rare. The most frequently seen thyroid disease during this period is simple goiter followed by thyroid nodules. Childhood thyroid cancer is usually at an advanced stage and there is a high incidence of lymph node and lung involvement at admission. However, when compared with those seen in adults, rates of mortality secondary to thyroid cancer are very low in children. Most frequent thyroid cancer is papillary cancer followed by follicular cancer and medullary cancer. Total thyroidectomy is preferred in children with diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer. Total thyroidectomy decreases the risk of recurrence and the need for secondary surgeries. Besides, total thyroidectomy is necessary to ensure the effective implementation of radioactive iodine treatment after surgery.