Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma in Children

Semin Pediatr Surg. 2020 Jun;29(3):150921. doi: 10.1016/j.sempedsurg.2020.150921. Epub 2020 May 16.

Abstract

The vast majority of medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTC) in children are inherited as part of the multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes MEN2A and MEN2B, and the related variant, familial MTC. Prophylactic surgery in infants and children identified through genetic screening leads to the highest survival in these patients. This article summarizes the current recommendations for screening, treatment, and surveillance of children with MTC to provide a concise clinically relevant review for pediatric practitioners.

Keywords: MEN2; MEN2A; MEN2B; Medullary thyroid cancer; Medullary thyroid carcinoma; Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome; Pediatric cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine* / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine* / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine* / therapy
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Child
  • Early Detection of Cancer
  • Genetic Testing*
  • Humans
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia* / diagnosis
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia* / genetics
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia* / therapy
  • Neck Dissection
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Postoperative Care / methods
  • Prophylactic Surgical Procedures
  • Thyroid Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Thyroid Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Thyroid Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Thyroidectomy*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Biomarkers, Tumor

Supplementary concepts

  • Thyroid cancer, medullary