ANAPLASTIC THYROID CANCERS

• 1-2% of all thyroid cancers
• One of the most aggressive cancers in humans
• Poor survival rates (206 mths)

Investigations:
• FNAC for diagnosis. If diagnosis doubtful, tru cut/core biopsy with IHC
• Chest X ray
• If clinically resectable- CT scan neck to assess operability
• Thyroid function tests if clinically indicated

Staging
Primary tumour T
Anaplastic carcinoma (All are considered T4)
T4a- Tumour (any size) limited to the thyroid, considered surgically resectable
T4b- Tumour (any size) extends beyond the thyroid capsule, considered surgically unresectable

Regional Nodes (N) and Distant metastasis (M) as above
Stage grouping
Anaplastic carcinoma
All anaplastic carcinoma are considered Stage IV

Management