OBJECTIVE: To analyze aspects of a series of papillary thyroid carcinomas and evaluate the prognostic features specific to different age classes.
STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: From 2000 to 2005, 2709 patients underwent a total thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma in our department. Patients were divided into three groups: <18 years (G1), 19 to 45 years (G2), and >46 years (G3). Histologic and clinical features were statistically evaluated.
RESULTS: Tumor size was larger in G1 when compared with both G2 and G3 (P < 0.0001). Infiltration of the thyroid capsule and node metastases were higher in G1 than both G2 and G3 (P < 0.0001). The Tall-cell variant was more represented in G2 and G3.
CONCLUSION: In the pediatric population, papillary carcinoma is a more aggressive disease. Because pediatric cancers have a better prognosis than their adult counterparts, this does not influence patient outcome. Age can then be considered the most important factor in determining prognosis.
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