Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer of the thyroid gland.
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.
Anaplastic cancer accounts for only about 1% of all thyroid cancers.
A physical examination almost always show a neck mass.
Thyroid function blood tests are usually normal.
This type of cancer cannot be cured by surgery. For most patients, complete removal of the thyroid gland does not prolong their life.
Of other treatment options, only radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy give 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.
For some patients, enrolling in a clinical trial of new thyroid cancer treatments may be an option.
The stress of illness can often be eased by joining a support group of people sharing common experiences and problems. See: Cancer - support group
The prognosis of this disease is poor. Most people do not survive longer than 6 months due to the aggressive nature of this disease and lack of effective treatment options.
Call your health care provider if there is a persistent lump or mass in the neck, hoarseness, changing voice, cough, or coughing up blood.
Anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid