Living with Thyroid gland undifferentiated (anaplastic) carcinoma
A rare, fast-growing thyroid cancer that usually shows up as a neck mass in older adults.
Understanding Thyroid gland undifferentiated (anaplastic) carcinoma
It affects women more than men and usually occurs in adults and older adults. It tends to happen in people with a history of goiter or thyroid cancer. Past radiation to the head and neck, or exposure to radioactive materials, may also raise the risk. More than half of people have spread of the cancer (metastasis) when it is found.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Fast-growing neck mass
- Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
- Trouble breathing (dyspnea)
- Hoarse voice
- Neck pain and cough
- Swollen lymph nodes
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include cancer specialists and hormone specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Cancer specialists (oncologists); Hormone specialists (endocrinologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc.
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says it generally occurs in people with a history of goiter or thyroid cancer. A history of head and neck radiation or radioactive exposure may also raise risk.
Also known as: anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid; anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid gland; anaplastic carcinoma of thyroid; anaplastic carcinoma of thyroid gland; anaplastic thyroid cancer; anaplastic thyroid carcinoma
Patient organizations
- ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc.Thyroid gland undifferentiated (anaplastic) carcinoma · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Thyroid gland undifferentiated (anaplastic) carcinoma.
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