Children, despite presenting with more extensive PTC when compared to adults, have postoperative recurrences at similar frequency, typically coexist with DM and die of PTC less often. Since 1976, both children and adults with MACIS <6 PTC have a <1% chance at 30 years of CSM; adults with higher MACIS scores (6 or more) have a 30-year CSM rate of 30%.

MEE without concomitant GEE did not increase rates of either CSM or TR in PTC. Accordingly, these results raise concerns regarding current AJCC staging recommendations.