Pediatric Thyroid Cancer

Care is Close to Home at RWJBarnabas Health

Thyroid cancer is another type of disease that can develop in children. The American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery reports that it’s the third most common solid tumor malignancy and the most common endocrine malignancy in children. This is why finding the right team of pediatric oncologists in New Jersey is a must.

Types of pediatric thyroid cancer can include:

• Papillary: This type of thyroid cancer originates in thyroid hormone-producing cells. It grows relatively slowly but can spread to the lymph nodes, neck lymphatics and other areas.
• Follicular: Cells that generate thyroid hormones containing iodine can be affected by this type of thyroid cancer, though it is less common in kids.
• Medullary: This rare form of thyroid cancer originates in cells that generate calcitonin and is likely to spread to other parts of the body. In children, medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is typically associated with an inherited genetic condition.
• Anaplastic: The fastest growing of the thyroid cancers, this form of thyroid cancer features abnormal cells that grow and spread rapidly in the neck but is not common n children.

Pediatric thyroid cancer symptoms can range from neck lumps and hoarseness topersistently swollen lymph nodes. Some children may experience difficulty breathing or swallowing.

To contact one of New Jersey’s best pediatric cancer specialists call
844-CANCERNJ or 844-226-2376.