title: Thyroid cancer in young adults.
abstract: The incidence of thyroid cancer in young adults is rising. Differentiated carcinoma (ie, papillary, follicular, and their variants) and medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) represent the two most common subtypes, with differing etiologies, prognoses, and management strategies. Ultrasound (US)-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) is the best initial test for evaluating a nodule or mass suspicious for malignancy. Tumor histology, in addition to radiographic findings and clinical presentation, guides surgical management, the need for adjuvant therapies, and the optimal approach to long-term follow-up. Radioactive iodine (RAI) is used to reduce recurrence and improve survival for differentiated thyroid carcinomas (DTCs). Emerging systemic therapies provide options for patients with progressive metastatic MTC or radio-resistant DTC. Overall, the prognosis for the most common thyroid malignancy, papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), is excellent. The treatment of young adult thyroid cancer patients occurs optimally as part of a multidisciplinary coordination of care.
authors.affiliation: Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Anita K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Ying
authors.forename: Winston
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Huh
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bottomley
authors.forename: Douglas B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Evans
authors.forename: Steven G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Waguespack
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D018276:Carcinoma, Medullary / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011252:Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome