Alternative Names
Anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid
Definition of Anaplastic thyroid cancer
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer of the thyroid gland.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Anaplastic thyroid cancer grows very rapidly and is an invasive type of . It occurs most often in people over age 60. The cause is unknown.
Signs and tests
A physical examination almost always show a neck mass.
Treatment
This type of cancer cannot be cured by surgery. For most patients, complete removal of the thyroid gland does not prolong their life.
Expectations (prognosis)
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.
Review
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 3/2/2010
