Thyroid Cancer pp 935-937 | Cite as

Pathology of Anaplastic Carcinoma

Chapter
First Online:

Abstract

Anaplastic carcinoma (undifferentiated carcinoma) is a rare extremely malignant neoplasm and is usually fatal (mortality rate at 1 year 90 %). From a clinical standpoint, the thyroid gland in these patients has often been enlarged for years, containing multiple nodules or a low-grade, well-differentiated carcinoma that has grown slowly. Recent rapid growth with tracheal compromise is often noted. Clinically and surgically these cancers usually infiltrate and replace the thyroid parenchyma and the juxtathyroidal tissues. Metastases to the regional lymph nodes and lungs are common.

Keywords

Anaplastic carcinoma Metastasis Hemorrhage Necrosis Neoplastic Tumor Goiter Follicular 
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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media New York 2016

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Perelman School of MedicinePhiladelphiaUSA

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