The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland located at the base of
the throat. It has two lobes separated in the middle by a strip
of tissue (the isthmus). The thyroid itself secretes three main
hormones: (1) Thyroxine contains iodine, needed for growth and
metabolism; (2) Triiodothyronine, similar in function to
Thyroxine, effects body size, tissues growth, and function: and
(3) Calcitonin, which decreases the concentration of calcium in
the blood and increases calcium in the bones. All three of these
hormones have an important role in your child’s growth.Thyroid
cancer is the third most common tumor malignancy in children. It
occurs six times more often in females than males and shares
several characteristics with adult thyroid cancer patients.
Surgery is the preferred treatment for this cancer and although
the procedure is often uncomplicated, one of the risks of
thyroid surgery involves vocal cord paralysis. Consequently,an
otolaryngologist—head and neck surgeon should be consulted.
Types of thyroid cancer in