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Pediatric thyroid nodules

Overview

What are pediatric thyroid nodules?

Thyroid nodules are growths or lumps in your thyroid gland. Most thyroid nodules are not cancerous; however, in some children, they are an indication of thyroid cancer. These benign masses are usually soft and compressible and are found during a routine examination.

Signs and Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of pediatric thyroid nodules?

Many children with thyroid nodules do not have any symptoms, so the nodules are initially discovered during a routine physical exam.

For those who do have symptoms, they may include:

Diagnosis

How are pediatric thyroid nodules diagnosed?

There are several methods for diagnosing thyroid nodules. Your child’s doctor may use a combination of these methods:

  • History and physical exam

  • Urine test

  • Blood tests to check thyroid hormone levels

  • Ultrasound (a noninvasive test that uses sound waves to take pictures of the thyroid)

  • Fine needle biopsy (removal of a small amount of thyroid tissue using a thin needle; the tissue is later examined under a microscope. Repeated biopsies may be necessary.)

Causes

What are the causes of pediatric thyroid nodules?

Possible contributors may include:

The exact cause of thyroid nodules is unknown.​​​​​​​

Treatment

How are pediatric thyroid nodules treated?

The treatment of thyroid nodules depending on the growth and development of the mass, the radiology findings, and the biopsy results.

  • Observation - Some nodules with benign pathology may be observed and followed over time. 

  • Surgery - Other nodules may need to be surgically removed. Surgery includes removing part or all of the thyroid gland. This is recommend if the child (less than) < 13 year of age, nodules that grow over time, nodules causing difficulty breathing or swallowing, or if the pathology is concerning.

  • Medication - For patients who have had their thyroid gland removed, they may need to take thyroid replacement medication: an oral medication taken after surgery to replace the hormones that your child’s body will no longer be able to produce.

  • Radioactive iodine treatment - If the mass is cancer, patients may need radioactive iodine treatment. Radioactive iodine treatment involves taking a pill that targets and kills any remaining thyroid tissue left after surgery.

  • External radiation or chemotherapy - In rare cases external radiation or chemotherapy may be required to treat extensive or residual disease.

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