Undifferentiated (Anaplastic) Thyroid Carcinoma: Exploring the Coexistence of Differentiated and Dedifferentiated Anaplastic Elements—Critical Insights from a Case Series and Review of Literature

Undifferentiated (anaplastic) thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a rare thyroid malignancy, constituting <2% of all thyroid carcinomas. It is an aggressive tumor, manifesting as a rapidly growing neck mass with compressive symptoms. Given that ATC often arises from dedifferentiation of well-differentiate...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Aditi Das, Ajay Singh Thakur, Abhilasha Meshram Wahne, P. C. Agrawal, Aarti Sridhar
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd.
Series:Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology
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Online Access:http://www.thieme-connect.de/DOI/DOI?10.1055/s-0044-1791963
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Summary:Undifferentiated (anaplastic) thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a rare thyroid malignancy, constituting <2% of all thyroid carcinomas. It is an aggressive tumor, manifesting as a rapidly growing neck mass with compressive symptoms. Given that ATC often arises from dedifferentiation of well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma (WDTC), it is also possible that WDTC and ATC elements coexist, necessitating a clear distinction between WDTC with anaplastic transformation and pure ATC, due to significant differences in prognosis and treatment. Emphasizing the significance of cytological evaluation, particularly with the assistance of fine-needle aspiration, we present three cases that underscore the importance of timely detection for achieving precise diagnoses and guiding subsequent management decisions.
ISSN:0971-5851
0975-2129