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Signs & Symptoms of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer

Anaplastic thyroid cancer is an extremely rare and aggressive form of thyroid cancer. While early thyroid cancer generally has no symptoms, anaplastic thyroid cancer symptoms present quickly due to the rapid growth of the cancer. Those experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately as swift treatment is crucial for survival when dealing with this disease.

  1. The Facts

    • Anaplastic thyroid cancer is also known as anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid, giant cell cancer, and spindle cell cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, anaplastic thyroid cancer makes up only two percent of all thyroid cancers. The disease most commonly affects those over the age of 60 and is twice as likely to occur in men rather than women.

    Time Frame

    • Anaplastic thyroid cancer is an extremely invasive and fast growing type of cancer which often spreads to the lymph nodes, trachea, lungs, bones and other parts of the body. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, most people diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid cancer will die within the first six months of treatment. After five years, the survival rate is less than five percent.

    Onset

    • Most types of thyroid cancer exhibit no symptoms in the early stages. However, anaplastic thyroid cancer symptoms become noticeable soon after the disease begins to develop. Initial symptoms include a lump in the neck, difficulty breathing, and a sore throat. These symptoms are due to the tumors growing on the thyroid and pressing against the trachea. As the anaplastic thyroid cancer continues to grow, patients may develop a cough, cough up blood, experience difficulty swallowing and breathing, notice a change in their voice and notice the lump in their neck becoming larger. Any of these symptoms could indicate anaplastic thyroid cancer and medical attention should be sought as soon as possible.

    Identification

    • After a physical examination, a CT scan or MRI may be performed in order to identify the tumor on the thyroid. The tumor will then be biopsied in order to confirm the diagnosis of anaplastic thyroid cancer.

    Treatment

    • By the time anaplastic thyroid cancer has been diagnosed, the cancer has often spread to other parts of the body making treatment difficult. Surgery may be performed in an attempt to remove all of the cancerous tissue. The surgery is often unsuccessful due to the aggressive nature of this cancer and the speed in which it spreads. In cases where the trachea has been affected, a tracheostomy may be performed to help the patient breathe. Chemotherapy is sometimes used in an attempt to shrink or slow the growth of the cancer but the treatment is usually unsuccessful.

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