Background: Thyroid cancer is an uncommon childhood malignancy usually related to radiation exposure and/or genetic predisposition, such as MEN syndromes. This review article will discuss the etiology and genetic factors contributing to carcinoma of the thyroid in children as well as the literature on appropriate surgical treatment of these patients.

Data resources: The surgical literature was reviewed in regard to the management of children with thyroid cancer.

Results: Children most often present with a thyroid mass and diagnosis is made via fine needle aspiration or surgical excision. Treatment consists primarily of surgical resection though there is controversy over the extent of excision necessary for proper oncologic treatment. An emerging consensus is developing that outcome is improved with radioiodine treatment after surgery.

Conclusions: Early aggressive treatment and frequent long-term follow up is essential in the management of these children with thyroid cancer, and most patients can be successfully cured of their disease.