What is Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer? A Detailed Guide

 Not all thyroid cancers are the same: what sets anaplastic thyroid cancer apart?

Anaplastic thyroid cancer is a rare and aggressive type of thyroid cancer that develops in the cells of the thyroid gland. It occurs more commonly in older adults, with most cases occurring after age 60. This form of cancer can be difficult to diagnose due to its high rate of metastasis (spread) throughout the body.

In this blog, we will explore the causes and risk factors of anaplastic thyroid cancer, as well as the treatments available for those diagnosed with it. We will also discuss how to manage the symptoms of this potentially life-threatening disease and provide resources for finding support among those facing similar challenges.

MedicoExpert’s Tumor Board provides reliable and up-to-date information so that patients, caregivers, and families can make informed decisions about their care.

John was 43 when he first noticed a lump on his neck. He went to the doctor, who ran some tests and determined that it was a malignant tumor. After further testing, they diagnosed him with anaplastic thyroid cancer.

John was devastated by the news. He went through a range of emotions, from shock to fear. He was scared that he wouldn’t be able to beat the cancer and was worried about the effects of the treatments.

John’s friend referred him to MedicoExperts Tumor Board, a team of experienced medical professionals who specialize in treating advanced thyroid cancer. His team assured him that they would work together to create a treatment plan tailored specifically for his needs.

The MedicoExperts team took the time to understand John’s unique situation and offered him comprehensive care, including pain relief medication and procedures such as inserting a tracheostomy tube to aid breathing and a gastrostomy tube to provide food directly to the stomach.

The team also provided John with resources to help him cope with his diagnosis, including NCI’s information about cancer prognosis, a personalized treatment plan and support from the team.

John was relieved to have found MedicoExperts and he felt supported throughout his journey with anaplastic thyroid cancer. With the help of his team, he was able to better understand the disease and find hope amidst his fear. He was glad that he had people who were looking out for him and he held onto the hope that one day he would be cancer-free. He was able to see difference in health such as eight loss, hair fall and exhaustion decrease. He can’t thank MedicoExperts enough for their care and support throughout his journey.

Now that you have seen John’s story, it is important to remember that any kind of cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid cancer, MedicoExperts is here to help.

Keep reading to dive into a deeper understanding of the same.

Let’s get going!

 What is Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer?

ATC, also known as anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, is a fast-spreading type of thyroid cancer that affects the gland located in the front of your neck below the Adam’s apple. The thyroid is responsible for producing hormones that are sent out to the rest of your body.

 Unlike other types of thyroid cancer, ATC can quickly invade other parts of the body.

In fact, in some cases, it can spread to the lungs, bones, and brain within weeks or months. This makes ATC a difficult disease to treat.

To understand why this type of cancer occurs and what symptoms you should be on the lookout for, let’s take a look at anaplastic thyroid cancer causes and risk factors.

Learn more on Thyroid Cancer here..

What Causes Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer?

It’s important to note that the exact cause of ATC is unknown. Certain variables, however, may raise your chances of having this kind of cancer.

Some of these risk factors include:

 – Age – the majority of occurrences occur after the age of 60;

– Exposure to radiation – having been exposed to radiation therapy for other conditions;

– A family history of thyroid cancer – having a close relative with the disease increases your risk; and

– Other medical conditions – such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder.

As much as 80% of cases of ATC (anaplastic thyroid cancer) may happen in people who already have an enlarged thyroid (known as a goiter) that has been present for a long time. This may occur alongside undiagnosed differentiated thyroid cancer.

What are the Symptoms of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer?

The signs and symptoms of ATC can vary depending on the size and location of the tumor.

Common symptoms include:

 – A bulge or bump in the neck;

– Difficulty swallowing;

– Hoarseness or changes in voice;

– Coughing that doesn’t go away; and

– Pain in the neck, throat, or around the area.

These symptoms can be caused by other less serious conditions, so it’s important to consult with your doctor if you experience any of them.

How is Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Diagnosed? 

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) can initially cause a lump in the throat. The tumor can interfere with breathing by blocking the windpipe or affect the voice by pressing against the vocal cords, resulting in hoarseness. People can have ATC for some time without realizing it if the tumor stays small.

Biopsy: Your doctor will perform a biopsy by taking a small sample from the tumor with a needle to determine if it is ATC. A pathologist will study cells from the sample under a microscope to identify the type of tumor. 

Imaging: Imaging scans like ultrasound, CT, and MRI will be used by your doctor to examine the tumor’s size and check for any signs of it spreading to other areas of your body if you are exhibiting symptoms of ATC.

Blood Tests: Your doctor may also order a number of blood tests to check hormone levels and other substances in your body that could help indicate if you have ATC.

Due to the aggressive nature of anaplastic thyroid cancer, all patients are diagnosed with stage IV. The stage includes three sub-stages.

• Stage IVA: In about 10% of diagnoses, ATC is found exclusively in the thyroid gland.
• Stage IVB: This accounts for the majority of diagnoses and includes ATC with regional lymph node involvement. This occurs in approximately 40% of diagnoses.

Stage IVC: In this stage, the tumor has spread to distant sites such as the lungs, bones, and brain. This occurs in approximately 50% of diagnoses.

What is the Anaplastic Thyroid cancer treatment cost in India?

The cost of treatment for anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) in India can vary greatly depending on the type and stage of the disease, as well as the treatments that are needed. Factors such as location, hospital preferences, and insurance coverage may also affect pricing.

Generally speaking, ATC patients can expect to pay between Rs 1.15 lakhs to 13 lakhs i.e. $1425-$17 000 for treatment. This is inclusive of the cost of consultations, tests, surgeries, radiation therapy, chemotherapy drugs, targeted therapies, and any supportive care that may be needed.

It is important to note that the actual cost of treatment may vary based on individual needs and preferences. If you are facing financial difficulties and require assistance with paying for medical expenses, Medicoexpert is here to guide you.

Author Bio

Dr. Subhamoy Mukherjee

Dr. Subhamoy Mukherjee is a molecular oncologist with experience working with genomic profiles. He has several years of experience in scientific writing. He takes a strong interest in making people aware of different treatment approaches in cancer, and acute and chronic diseases. He also has an interest in innovative approaches for treating different mental and physical illnesses. View all posts by Dr. Subhamoy Mukherjee