Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a rare and aggressive form of thyroid cancer. Because of this cancer up to 40% of deaths are reported worldwide.  

This aggressive tumor rapidly grows and spreads with a poor prognosis and patients usually show rapid growth on their neck mass. 

Anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid is a rare thyroid malignancy, and it shows a 3:1 ratio of female to male. 

The reported cases in the United States are more than 1000 which are reported in one year.  

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma occurs in individuals with iodine-deficient areas. 

In the studies it is noted that the terminal De-differentiation of Long-standing thyroid carcinoma is still undetected. 

The causes of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma are not studied yet. 

The diagnosis stage shows a better prognosis in cases of early-stage patients. 

The most patients survive with this disorder only for a few months after diagnosis and there are very less chances of surviving for 5 years.  

Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma occurs in older adults those are more than 60 years old. 

• Lymph Node Examination  
• Neck Examination 
• Respiratory Distress Assessment  

ATC is a condition characterized by sudden neck mass increase and compressive symptoms like swallowing and breathing difficulties, presents over weeks to months. 

Surgical resection is the initial treatment part for localized ATC.  

There are some therapies such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy that are used by medical surgeons for treatment. 

Appointments with medical physicians and preventing recurrence of infection is an ongoing life-long effort. 

Oncology, Other

In immunotherapy the aim is to identify and destroy cancer cells to improve patient’s immune system. 

Inform patients on ways to prevent this and what steps to take and to promote lifestyle changes.  

Use hypoxia modulation therapy which aims to improve oxygen delivery in hypoxic tumor region of patient. 

Oncology, Other

Doxorubicin: It generates free radicals which causes DNA damage and apoptosis of cancer cells. 

Cisplatin: It has DNA cross-links which causes damage to intrastrand and interstrand DNA which inhibits DNA replication and transcription process. 

Oncology, Other

Debulking surgery is considered in such cases when complete resection is not possible due to extensive local invasion. 

Tracheostomy is considered only in patients who experience airway complaints due to tracheal compression. 

Oncology, Other

In the initial diagnosis phase, clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and biopsy of the thyroid mass to confirm the diagnosis these all activities performed by physicians.  

In palliative care phase, therapists should give attention to reduce pain and improve nutritional support of the patient. 

Physicians should arrange regular follow-up visits to check the improvement of patients and newly observed complaints.