Recurrence and survival for patients with thyroid carcinoma in the pediatric age group in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi: retrospective analysis of a multicentre cohort

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Pediatric thyroid cancer represents 2.3 % of thyroid cancers, and its long-term outcome data are sparse. There have not been studies in the UAE delineating its epidemiology, clinical and histological characteristics, and follow-up outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the clinical–pathological behavior, recurrence and survival rates in pediatrics with all types of thyroid cancer in the UAE. Methods Multicentre retrospective chart review analysis of pediatric patients with thyroid carcinoma from January 2010 to December 2020 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Results Thirty-four patients were included, 85 % being females. Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) was the commonest type of thyroid cancer (88 %) vs. follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) (11.8 %). Almost half of our patients had a multifocal disease, 26 % had lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and 21 % had extrathyroidal extension (ETE). There were no mortalities during follow-up. 85 % of patients exhibited complete remission, while 15 % of patients showed evidence of progressive residual or recurrent disease. One patient had metastasis to lymph nodes and lungs. Conclusions There were similar trends of incidence, sex prevalence, and histopathological patterns as the ones observed internationally. Potential risk factors in our population include a family history of thyroid cancer and obesity. The lower rate of ETE, LVI, metastasis, and recurrence indicates a possibly less aggressive disease.