We're celebrating
40 years!
Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) accounts for less than 2% of all thyroid cancers and is the most aggressive type of thyroid cancer.[9204] Most cases of anaplastic thyroid cancer are diagnosed in the sixth to seventh decade of life. Women are more likely to be affected than men.[9204] ATC generally occurs in individuals with a history of goiter or thyroid cancer.[9204] A history of head and neck radiation or exposure to radioactive materials may also increase the risk for ATC.[9205] Patients with ATC generally present with a rapidly-growing neck mass which may cause trouble swallowing (dysphagia), coughing, neck pain, and trouble breathing (dyspnea).[9204] Metastasis is present in more than half of individuals at the time of diagnosis. Patients with metastases may also present with bone pain, lymph node enlargement, weakness, and neurological deficits.[9204] Treatment of ATC is mostly palliative.[9204]
For more information, visit GARD.