Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a highly aggressive form of thyroid cancer and accounts for ≈ 5 -15 % 2 of primary thyroid malignancies. Of all the sub types this carries the worst prognosis.
Epidemiology
Typically occurs in the elderly (peak incidence in 6th to 7th decades). A significant proportion of patients may have a history of concurrent multinodular goitre. There is recognised female predilection 6.
Clinical presentation
Patients tend to present late. Compressive symptoms of neighouring structures can be common.
Radiographic features
Ultrasound
May show microcalcification 3. Usually seen as a infiltrative lesion.
CT
Useful for assessment of tumour invasion 1 as well as metastatic burden. Lymph node +/ - metastatic involvement is generally common at time of CT assessment 5. Typically seen as a highly infiltrative lesion about the thyroid gland
Scintigraphy
Usually has no radio uptake 4
Treatment and prognosis
Carries a very poor prognosis with ≈ 5 % 5 year survival. Considered invariably fatal 6.
Differential diagnosis
Consider other infiltrative thyroid neoplasms such as
Details successfully updated.
Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.