Anaplastic thyroid cancer symptoms & treatment

Anaplastic thyroid cancer, also known as anaplastic carcinoma, is a rare form of thyroid cancer that is hard to treat due to its aggressive nature. This type of thyroid cancer makes up just 1% of all cases. Because it grows so fast, anaplastic thyroid cancer does not typically have a good outcome.

This cancer swiftly spreads to the nearby lymph nodes and can spread to areas such as the lungs and bones before it’s detected. Anaplastic thyroid cancer mostly affects people over the age of 60.

While less prevalent than other types of thyroid cancer like papillary, follicular and medullary carcinomas, anaplastic thyroid cancer stands out for its aggressive progression.

How is anaplastic thyroid cancer different from other forms of thyroid cancer?

Because anaplastic thyroid cancer grows and spreads rapidly, it’s harder to catch before it reaches other organs and parts of the body. Other forms of thyroid cancer aren’t as aggressive and usually develop over time. This allows them to be more easily caught before they spread to other parts of your body.

Because anaplastic thyroid cancer grows and spreads quickly, treatment is often less effective. This is especially true if the cancer has not been caught before it reaches other body parts. Moreover, the prognosis for anaplastic thyroid cancer is worse than other forms of thyroid cancer.

Anaplastic thyroid cancer symptoms

Symptoms associated with anaplastic thyroid cancer can vary depending on the size and location of the tumor. Common symptoms to be aware of include:

• A mass on your neck that rapidly grows
• Breathing problems
• Difficulty swallowing
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Hoarseness or changes in voice quality
• Neck pain
• Persistent coughing or wheezing
• Swollen lymph nodes

It's important to note that many of these symptoms can be associated with other medical conditions. If you experience any persistent or concerning symptoms, particularly difficulty with swallowing or breathing, see your doctor as soon as possible.

Diagnosing anaplastic thyroid cancer

Anaplastic thyroid cancer is diagnosed through a comprehensive approach that includes reviewing your medical history, conducting a physical exam and undergoing diagnostic tests.

During the examination, your provider will assess your neck for any signs of thyroid swelling. If cancer is suspected, further tests may be recommended, such as:

• Biopsy: This procedure involves extracting a small sample of thyroid tissue for microscopic examination, which is crucial for confirming the diagnosis of anaplastic thyroid cancer.
• Core needle biopsy: In cases where fine needle aspiration biopsy results are inconclusive, a larger needle may be utilized to obtain tissue samples from the thyroid gland.
• Fine needle aspiration biopsy: A thin needle is used to extract cells from a lump in the thyroid for microscopic analysis, aiding in cancer detection.
• Digital imaging tests: MRI or CT scans can provide detailed images of the thyroid gland, assisting in the diagnostic process.

Following the diagnosis of anaplastic thyroid cancer, further tests may be conducted to determine the cancer's stage and to help plan appropriate treatment. These additional tests may include a PET scan and blood tests to check thyroid function.

Is anaplastic thyroid cancer treatable?

Typically, treatment for anaplastic thyroid cancer includes a combination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. However, treatment is often less effective because it’s harder to catch before it reaches nearby organs. In the advanced stages, targeted therapy, clinical trials or palliative care may be used to improve quality of life.

Common treatment for anaplastic thyroid cancer

Treatment for anaplastic thyroid cancer typically combines surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Your care team will work together to tailor a treatment plan suited to your needs.

Surgery is often the initial step in treatment, especially if the tumor is operable and hasn't spread to other areas. However, due to the aggressive nature of anaplastic thyroid cancer, complete or partial removal of the thyroid gland might not always be a feasible option.

Radiation therapy plays a crucial role in managing anaplastic thyroid cancer by shrinking the tumor, controlling its growth and easing associated symptoms such as pain or difficulty swallowing. Additionally, radiation therapy could target any remaining cancer cells if you had surgery.

Chemotherapy drugs may be employed to slow the progression of anaplastic thyroid cancer. While chemotherapy may not clear you of cancer, it can offer temporary relief or enhance quality of life for some people.

Other treatments and therapies

Your care team may recommend other treatment approaches because conventional treatments are often ineffective. Some of these treatments may include targeted therapy, clinical trials or palliative care.

• Targeted therapy: Drugs such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are used to target and attack cancer cells if standard treatments are ineffective or the cancer has spread to other parts of your body. These drugs work by interfering with the pathways that cause cancer cells to grow.
• Clinical trials: Participation in clinical trials can provide access to additional treatment options. These trials evaluate the effectiveness of new drugs, treatment combinations or innovative strategies.
• Palliative care: Palliative care is integral to managing anaplastic thyroid cancer and supporting both you and your family through the physical and emotional challenges of the disease and its treatment. Palliative care services may include pain management, nutritional support, help managing your symptoms and mental support for you and your family.

Engaging in open discussions with your care team at Aurora Health Care – which may comprise endocrinologists, surgeons, oncologists and radiation oncologists – is vital to getting the right treatment. Together, they can develop a treatment plan that considers your unique circumstances and is just right for you.