CARCINOMA OF THE THYROID IN CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS: IATROGENIC RELATION TO PREVIOUS IRRADIATION
Fifteen cases of carcinoma of the thyroid and four cases of thyroid adenoma in children and young adults are reported. In all, except one, irradiation had been given to the head, neck, or chest of these patients 5 to 17 years previously. These observations suggest that carcinoma of the thyroid in children is related to irradiation, often prescribed for uncertain therapeutic effect. Irradiation to the head, neck, or chest of infants and children should be avoided wherever possible. We believe these cases represent a remarkably high incidence of thyroid neoplasia to occur in a single practicing pediatric office. The practicing pediatrician who now follows his patients longitudinally from infancy through adolescence has a unique opportunity to observe the development of disease, even years later.