Question: My grandson had surgery on his thyroid gland when he was 5 years of age. What would cause him to have a life-threatening surgery at that age, and does it mean he still faces risks?
Dr. Hibberd's answer:
Thyroid surgery is performed in cases of cancer and when someone has not responded to other first-line management options. Yes, even children can get thyroid cancer, but it is also not a common surgery for the average child.
Perhaps it would be a good idea for you to discuss your concerns with your son or daughter, to be sure he is receiving all appropriate care today. Usually pediatric thyroid surgery is used for cases that did not respond to medical management or for others where medical management was not felt to be in the child's best interest.
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