Anaplastic thyroid cancer


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Thyroid cancer - CT scan
Thyroid cancer - CT scan
Thyroid gland
Thyroid gland
Definition

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is an aggressive form of cancer of the thyroid gland.


Alternative Names

Anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid


Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Anaplastic thyroid cancer grows very rapidly and is an invasive type of thyroid cancer. It occurs most often in people over age 60. The cause is unknown. Thyroid function tests are usually normal. Anaplastic cancer accounts for only about 1% of all thyroid cancers and is a very rare disease.



Review Date: 05/26/2006
Reviewed By: Rita Nanda, M.D., Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided byVeriMed Healthcare Network.


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