Goitre and thyroid nodules in children and adolescents

Systematic examination of the thyroid gland allows discovering diffuse or multinodular goitres as well as solitary nodules. Goitre may be the only clinical manifestation of an underlying thyroid disease. Its evaluation should consider the familial history as well as nutritional and environmental factors. Thyroid ultrasonography is of critical importance to assess the diagnosis. Hashimoto's thyroiditis, colloid and endemic goitre are the most frequent causes of the diffuse form, particularly during puberty. Multinodular goitre and solitary thyroid nodule are rare in the paediatric age group: both conditions can reveal a malignant lesion. In this case, a total thyroidectomy should be performed. Long term outcome is excellent with an exception for medullary carcinoma which can be part of a multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN type 2 A).