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(Ivanhoe Newswire) — The size of a child’s tumor is less important in determining prognosis for thyroid cancer than the age at which he is diagnosed and treated.

Italian researchers arrived at that conclusion after evaluating about 2,700 children and adults who underwent surgery to treat the condition. Even though children tended to have more aggressive tumors than adults, and younger children had larger tumors, overall kids actually had a better prognosis. The researchers concluded age at diagnosis is the most important factor when determining the outcomes for pediatric thyroid cancer patients.

Study authors also call for longer follow up times after treatment to more accurately assess the results of care.

Thyroid cancer is the third leading cause of cancer in children. The disease, which arises in cells that produce hormones containing iodine, grows slowly in kids, but has been increasing in prevalence in recent years. From 2006 to 2007, the incidence rose by about 11 percent.

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SOURCE: Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, 2008;138:200-203

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