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Panel Presentations

Pediatric Otolaryngology

Management of Advanced Thyroid Cancer in Children

Sunday, October 12, 2025
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT
Location: 233-234
Disclosure(s):
John P. Dahl, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Jennifer A. Brooks, MD, MPH, FACS:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Amy L. Dimachkieh, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Lourdes Quintanilla-Dieck, MD, FACS:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Thyroid nodules are uncommon in the pediatric population however, when present, they are associated with a 2-6-fold increased rate of malignancy than in adults. Pediatric well-differentiated thyroid malignancies such as papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) are also generally more aggressive than their adult counterparts and are more prone to present with cervical (40-80%) and distant (20-30%) metastases. With the increased incidence of thyroid neoplasms in children, Otolaryngologists in both academic and private practice settings are more frequently being asked to evaluate and manage these patients. While the 5-year survival rates for children with differentiated thyroid cancer remain unchanged, the impact of long-term complications related to treatment of these cancers (hypocalcemia, vocal fold hypomobility, recurrent cervical metastatic disease) are now recognized as a critical part of caring for these patients. Further, as the genetic drivers underlying differentiated thyroid carcinomas in children are being elucidated, the ability to treat specific patients with targeted medical therapies is becoming more common. The goal of this panel is to use a case based, interactive, discussion format to highlight challenging pediatric thyroid cancer cases and educate attendees regarding the most recent developments in this field.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Understand current advances in the treatment of children with differentiated thyroid cancer.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Review the current, evidence-based approaches for utilizing targeted medical therapies in the treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer in children.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Discuss current surgical approaches to managing complex pediatric differentiated thyroid cancer cases with a focus on optimizing oncologic outcomes and minimizing long-term complications.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: The treatment of children with differentiated thyroid cancer can present unique diagnostic and treatment challenges for Otolaryngologists. The goal of this panel is to discuss current evidence-based medical and surgical approaches in the treatment of children with thyroid cancer.

Comprehensive Otolaryngology Track Statement :

    Moderator(s)

  • John P. Dahl, MD

    Attending Surgeon
    Children's Mercy Hospital
    Kansas City, KS, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

    • Panelist(s)

  • Jennifer A. Brooks, MD, MPH, FACS

    Assistant Professor Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery
    University Of Rochester
    Pittsford , NY, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • Amy L. Dimachkieh, MD

    Associate Professor
    Baylor College of Medicine / Texas Childrens Hospital
    Houston, TX, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • LQ

    Lourdes Quintanilla-Dieck, MD, FACS

    Associate Professor
    Oregon Health and Science University
    Portland, OR, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.