ABSTRACT
Thyroid nodules are less common in children compared to adults. According to studies focusing on imaging or postmortem examinations, thyroid nodules occur with a frequency of only 1–1.5% among children and 13% among adolescences. Similar to the adult population, risk factors for the development of thyroid nodules in the pediatric population include radiation exposure, iodine deficiency, and a history of thyroid disease. A palpable thyroid nodule, a diffusely enlarged thyroid gland, and/or cervical lymphadenopathy that is noted on physical exam in a child warrants evaluation with thyroid function testing and a formal neck ultrasound. The ultrasound should include evaluation of the thyroid gland as well as for the presence or absence of cervical lymphadenopathy. The analysis of thyroid nodules for children and adults utilizes the Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology. For adults, the recommended management of indeterminate nodules includes a repeat fine needle aspiration biopsy, a diagnostic lobectomy, or further evaluation of the nodule with molecular profiling.
