Anaplastic Carcinoma

Undifferentiated and aggressive tumours derived from follicular epithelium

Aetiology

  • Can arise de novo or be due to dedifferentiation of another carcinoma
  • Usually older patients
  • Similar genetic features to papillary carcinomas and follicular carcinomas as well as p53 and β-catenin mutations

Pathophysiology

  • May occur in people with a history of differentiated thyroid cancer
  • Rapid growth and involvement of neck structures and death

Clinical presentation

  • Thyroid nodule
  • Features of local infiltration/compression
  • Cervical lymphadenopathy
  • Signs of distant metastases

Investigations

  • TSH, US
  • Confirmation: US-FNA or biopsy

Management

  • Total thyroidectomy if resectable +/- adjuvant radiochemotherapy as needed
  • Do not respond to RAI