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Anaplastic thyroid cancer

Definition

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is an aggressive form of cancer of the thyroid gland.

Alternative Names

Causes

Anaplastic thyroid cancer grows very rapidly and is an invasive type of thyroid cancer. It occurs most often in people over age 60. The cause is unknown. Thyroid function tests are usually normal. Anaplastic cancer accounts for only about 1% of all thyroid cancers and is a very rare disease.

Symptoms

• Cough
• Coughing up blood
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hoarseness or changing voice
• Loud breathing
• Lower neck mass, often noted to be enlarging

Exams and Tests

A physical examination may show a neck mass.

• A CT scan or MRI may show a tumor growing from the thyroid gland.
• A thyroid biopsy shows anaplastic carcinoma.
• An examination of the airway with a fiberoptic scope (laryngoscopy) may show a paralyzed vocal cord
• An isotope study of the thyroid (thyroid scan)shows this mass to be "cold," meaning it does not absorb the isotope.

Treatment

This type of cancer is treated with surgery to remove the tumor, or radiation therapy, or both. Surgery may require placement of a tube in the throat to help breathing (tracheostomy).

This tumor does not respond to radioactive iodine, which is used to treat other types of thyroid cancer. It usually does not responsive to chemotherapy, either. For some patients, enrolling in a clinical trial of new thyroid cancer treatments may be an option.

Support Groups

The stress of illness can often be eased by joining a support group of people sharing common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group.

Outlook (Prognosis)

The prognosis of this disease is poor. Less than 5% of patients survive 5 years. Most people do not survive longer than 6 months.

Possible Complications

• Spread of tumor within the neck
• Metastasis (spread) of cancer to other body tissues or organs

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if there is a persistent lump or mass in the neck, hoarseness, changing voice, cough, or coughing up blood.

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