Anaplastic thyroid cancer care

Anaplastic thyroid cancer is rare, but aggressive form of thyroid cancer and can be hard to treat. It develops in the thyroid gland, the butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck.

Also known as anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, anaplastic thyroid cancer only makes up 1% of all cases of thyroid cancer, including papillary, follicular and medullary carcinomas.

Anaplastic carcinoma is characterized by its rapid growth. The cancer often invades surrounding lymph nodes and spreads to distant parts of the body before it is detected. As a result, anaplastic thyroid cancer is difficult to treat effectively, and survival rates are low.

Anaplastic thyroid cancer tends to grow for no reason or from preexisting thyroid conditions.

Anaplastic thyroid cancer symptoms

Symptoms of anaplastic thyroid cancer may vary depending on the size and location of the tumor. Some common symptoms include:

• Quickly growing mass on your neck
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hoarseness or voice changes
• Difficulty breathing
• Neck pain
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Coughing or wheezing

Many of these symptoms may be caused by other conditions. If you experience any persistent or concerning symptoms, especially difficulty with swallowing or breathing, see your doctor as soon as possible.

Diagnosing anaplastic thyroid cancer

Anaplastic thyroid cancer is diagnosed by a combination of reviewing your medical history, a physical exam, a biopsy and digital imaging tests.

During your exam, your doctor will assess your neck for any swelling of the thyroid. If your doctor suspects cancer, they may recommend you have additional tests, including:

• Biopsy: This involves the removal of a small piece of thyroid tissue for examination under a microscope. This is necessary for confirming anaplastic thyroid cancer.
• Fine needle aspiration biopsy: A thin needle is inserted into a lump to extract cells for microscopic analysis, aiding in the detection of cancer.
• Core needle biopsy: If your fine needle aspiration biopsy is inconclusive, your doctor may use a bigger needle to get tissue from the thyroid gland.
• Digital imaging tests: An MRI or CT scan may be used to obtain detailed images of the thyroid gland.

Once anaplastic thyroid cancer is diagnosed, further tests may be performed to determine the stage of the cancer and to plan appropriate treatment. These tests may include a PET scan and blood test to evaluate thyroid function.

Is anaplastic thyroid cancer treatable?

While this type of cancer is rare, it’s more likely to occur if you’re over 60 years old. Due to the aggressive nature of the tumor, treatments are often ineffective, and survival rates are low. If your care team decides on conventional treatments, they may involve a combination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Common ways to treat anaplastic thyroid cancer

Your multidisciplinary care team will work together to find a treatment that works for you.

Surgery is often considered the first step in treating anaplastic thyroid cancer, but only if the tumor hasn’t spread to other parts of your body. Unlike other forms of thyroid cancer, a partial or total removal of the thyroid gland may not be an option due to anaplastic thyroid cancer’s aggressive nature.

Radiation therapy can help shrink the tumor, control its growth and alleviate symptoms such as pain or difficulty swallowing. It may also be used to target any remaining cancer cells after surgery.

Chemotherapy drugs may be used to help slow the progression of anaplastic thyroid cancer. While chemotherapy may not cure cancer, it can sometimes provide temporary relief or improve quality of life.

Other treatments and therapies

When conventional treatment is ineffective or cancer has spread to other parts of the body, your care team may recommend targeted therapy, clinical trials or palliative care.

• Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitor drugs, may be used if the cancer does not respond to conventional treatments or has spread to other parts of the body. These drugs work by interfering with the growth of cancer cells.
• Clinical trials: Participation in clinical trials may offer additional treatment options for patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer. Clinical trials evaluate new drugs, treatment strategies or combinations of therapies.
• Palliative care: Palliative care plays a crucial role in managing anaplastic thyroid cancer and helping you and your family cope with the physical and emotional effects of the disease and its treatment. Palliative care measures may include pain and symptom management, nutritional support, and mental support for you and your family while you undergo treatment.

It's important to discuss your treatment options with your care team at Advocate Health Care. Your care team may include endocrinologists, surgeons, oncologists and radiation oncologists. They can collaboratively tailor a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.