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Anaplastic thyroid cancer
Anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer of the thyroid gland.
Causes
Anaplastic thyroid cancer is an invasive type of thyroid cancer that grows very rapidly. It occurs most often in people over age 60. The cause is unknown.
Thyroid cancer
Thyroid cancer is a cancer that starts in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located inside the front of your lower neck.
Anaplastic cancer accounts for only about 1% of all thyroid cancers.
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Cough
- Coughing up blood
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness or changing voice
- Loud breathing
- Lower neck lump, which often grows quickly
Exams and Tests
A physical exam almost always shows a growth in the neck region.
- An MRI or CT scan of the neck may show a tumor growing from the thyroid gland.
- A thyroid biopsy makes the diagnosis.
-
An examination of the airway with a fiberoptic scope (
laryngoscopy
) may show a paralyzed vocal cord.
Laryngoscopy
Laryngoscopy is an exam of the voice box (larynx). It can be done using a small mirror held just below the back of your palate, or a rigid or flexib...
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A
thyroid scan
shows this growth to be "cold," meaning it does not absorb a radioactive substance.
Thyroid scan
A thyroid scan uses a radioactive iodine tracer to examine the structure and function of the thyroid gland. This test is often done together with a ...
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Thyroid function blood tests are normal in most cases.
Treatment
This type of cancer cannot be cured by surgery. Complete removal of the thyroid gland does not prolong the lives of people who have this type of cancer.
Of other treatment options, only radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy has a significant benefit.
Surgery to place a tube in the throat to help with breathing (tracheostomy) or in the stomach to help with eating (gastrostomy) may be needed during treatment.
For some people, enrolling in a clinical trial of new thyroid cancer treatments may be an option.
Support Groups
You can often ease the stress of illness by joining a support group of people sharing common experiences and problems.
Outlook (Prognosis)
The outlook with this disease is poor. Most people do not survive longer than 6 months because the disease is aggressive and there is a lack of effective treatment options.
Possible Complications
Complications may include:
- Spread of tumor within the neck
-
Metastasis
(spread) of cancer to other body tissues or organs
Metastasis
Metastasis is the movement or spreading of cancer cells from one organ or tissue to another. Cancer cells usually spread through the blood or the ly...
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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.
References
Kim M, Ladenson P. Thyroid. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 226.
Lai SY, Mandel SJ, Weber RS. Management of thyroid neoplasms. In: Flint PW, Haughey BH, Lund LJ, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 123.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN guidelines in oncology: thyroid carcinoma.Version 2.2015. www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/thyroid.pdf . Accessed April 6, 2016.
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Thyroid cancer - CT scan - illustration
This CT scan of the upper chest (thorax) shows a malignant thyroid tumor (cancer). The dark area around the trachea (marked by the white U-shaped tip of the respiratory tube) is an area where normal tissue has been eroded and died (necrosis) as a result of tumor growth.
Thyroid cancer - CT scan
illustration
-
Thyroid gland - illustration
The thyroid gland, a part of the endocrine (hormone) system, plays a major role in regulating the body's metabolism.
Thyroid gland
illustration
-
Thyroid cancer - CT scan - illustration
This CT scan of the upper chest (thorax) shows a malignant thyroid tumor (cancer). The dark area around the trachea (marked by the white U-shaped tip of the respiratory tube) is an area where normal tissue has been eroded and died (necrosis) as a result of tumor growth.
Thyroid cancer - CT scan
illustration
-
Thyroid gland - illustration
The thyroid gland, a part of the endocrine (hormone) system, plays a major role in regulating the body's metabolism.
Thyroid gland
illustration
Review Date: 3/16/2016
Reviewed By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
