How Is Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Diagnosed?

The most noticeable symptom of anaplastic thyroid cancer is the formation of hard, large lumps around the neck. The patient may notice these lumps themselves, or a doctor may detect these lumps during a routine check-up. Patients are then referred to a thyroid specialist who can perform tests to screen for anaplastic cancer. Blood tests, ultrasounds, CT scans, PET scans, and fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies may be recommended when diagnosing your condition.

What Are Some Common Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Treatments?

The most common treatment for anaplastic thyroid cancer is thyroid surgery. However, this is usually reserved for earlier stages. Advanced stages may be inoperable depending on the patient. External beam radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy may be combined with surgery to halt the spread of anaplastic thyroid cancer.

What Are The Symptoms Of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer?

Anaplastic thyroid cancer grows rapidly and can quickly spread throughout the neck. As a result, patients may notice hard bumps or lumps around the neck, as well as swollen lymph nodes. These lumps can press against the windpipe and food pipe, which may cause discomfort when swallowing and speaking. Some patients may also experience difficulty breathing.

What Can I Expect Following Anaplastic Cancer Surgery?

Anaplastic cancer surgery requires a 1-2 night stay at the hospital before being discharged. Patients may have difficulty swallowing following surgery, so a liquid diet may be recommended for a few days. Vigorous exercise and physical activities should be avoided until permitted by our thyroid surgeon. Patients may be prescribed calcium supplements to prevent hypocalcemia (low calcium levels in the blood). Dr. Shin can discuss your recovery, downtime, and guidelines in more detail with you during your consultation for anaplastic thyroid cancer surgery.

What Causes Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer?

Anaplastic cancer occurs when thyroid cells grow and multiply at abnormal rates, leading to the formation of a cancerous tumor. The exact causes of anaplastic thyroid cancer are unknown. However, there are many factors that can increase the risk of developing anaplastic cancer throughout your lifetime.

What Is Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer?

Anaplastic thyroid cancer is a rare form of cancer that affects thyroid cells. Anaplastic cancer is “undifferentiated”, meaning these cancer cells look very different from typical thyroid cells. Anaplastic cancer is less common than papillary cancer, follicular cancer, and medullary cancer. It is also more aggressive than these cancers. Anaplastic thyroid cancer can grow rapidly and metastasize (spread) to distant parts of the body. Early detection is critical to treating this form of cancer.

Will A Biopsy Determine My Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer?

A biopsy can determine if your growth is cancerous. During this procedure, a very small needle is inserted into the suspicious growth and a small sample is removed. This sample is then sent to a pathologist to determine if your growth is cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign). If your tumor is cancerous, the biopsy can also determine which type of thyroid cancer is present.

Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer NYC | Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Surgery

ANAPLASTIC THYROID CANCER OVERVIEW
RARE FORM OF THYROID CANCER
AFFECTS THYROID CELLS; CHANGES THEIR SHAPE & APPEARANCE
ONE OF THE MOST AGGRESSIVE FORMS OF THYROID CANCER
SYMPTOMS INCLUDE HARD LUMPS & BUMPS AROUND THE THROAT
USUALLY DETECTED BY THE PATIENT OR DURING A ROUTINE CHECK-UP
MORE COMMON AMONG FEMALES OVER 40+ YEARS OF AGE
THYROID REMOVAL SURGERY IS THE MAIN TREATMENT OPTION
RADIATION, CHEMOTHERAPY, & TARGETED THERAPY CAN HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD OF ANAPLASTIC CANCER
ONGOING MONITORING, THYROID MEDICATION, & CONTINUED TREATMENTS MAY BE REQUIRED

ANAPLASTIC THYROID CANCER OVERVIEW

RARE FORM OF THYROID CANCER

AFFECTS THYROID CELLS; CHANGES THEIR SHAPE & APPEARANCE

ONE OF THE MOST AGGRESSIVE FORMS OF THYROID CANCER

SYMPTOMS INCLUDE HARD LUMPS & BUMPS AROUND THE THROAT

USUALLY DETECTED BY THE PATIENT OR DURING A ROUTINE CHECK-UP

MORE COMMON AMONG FEMALES OVER 40+ YEARS OF AGE

THYROID REMOVAL SURGERY IS THE MAIN TREATMENT OPTION

RADIATION, CHEMOTHERAPY, & TARGETED THERAPY CAN HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD OF ANAPLASTIC CANCER

ONGOING MONITORING, THYROID MEDICATION, & CONTINUED TREATMENTS MAY BE REQUIRED

RISK FACTORS FOR ANAPLASTIC THYROID CANCER
40+ YEARS OF AGE
FAMILY HISTORY OF THYROID DISEASE
RADIATION EXPOSURE
GRAVES’ DISEASE
HASHIMOTO’S DISEASE
MORE COMMON IN FEMALES

RISK FACTORS FOR ANAPLASTIC THYROID CANCER

40+ YEARS OF AGE

FAMILY HISTORY OF THYROID DISEASE

RADIATION EXPOSURE

GRAVES’ DISEASE

HASHIMOTO’S DISEASE

MORE COMMON IN FEMALES

ANAPLASTIC THYROID CANCER SYMPTOMS
VERY EARLY STAGES MAY NOT PRESENT SYMPTOMS
NECK LUMPS OR BUMPS THAT ARE HARD TO THE TOUCH
LUMPS THAT RAPIDLY INCREASE IN SIZE OVER WEEKS
SWOLLEN LYMPH NODES AROUND THE NECK
PAIN IN THE LOWER NECK AREA
SUDDEN CHANGES IN VOCAL QUALITY
DISCOMFORT WHEN SWALLOWING
PERSISTENT DRY COUGH
DIFFICULTY BREATHING

ANAPLASTIC THYROID CANCER SYMPTOMS

VERY EARLY STAGES MAY NOT PRESENT SYMPTOMS

NECK LUMPS OR BUMPS THAT ARE HARD TO THE TOUCH

LUMPS THAT RAPIDLY INCREASE IN SIZE OVER WEEKS

SWOLLEN LYMPH NODES AROUND THE NECK

PAIN IN THE LOWER NECK AREA

SUDDEN CHANGES IN VOCAL QUALITY

DISCOMFORT WHEN SWALLOWING

PERSISTENT DRY COUGH

DIFFICULTY BREATHING

ANAPLASTIC THYROID CANCER TREATMENTS
Thyroid Surgery
Anaplastic cancer surgery focuses on removing all traces of cancer from the thyroid. This means removing all of the thyroid gland, as well as any affected lymph nodes.
External Beam Therapy
External beam therapy uses radiation to destroy cancerous cells. Radiation may be used in conjunction with thyroid surgery to stop cancer from spreading. During this procedure, the patient lies down while controlled waves of radiation are directed to the area where cancer is present.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy may also be used with thyroid cancer surgery and external beam therapy to slow the growth of anaplastic cancer. Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer medications to attack cancer cells. Chemo medicines are given orally or through an injection.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is another type of anti-cancer treatment. These medicines are taken orally and can stop cancer cells by manipulating their proteins and genes. Targeted therapy is best used in conjunction with other anaplastic cancer treatments.
Thyroid MEDICATION
Patients who have had anaplastic thyroid cancer surgery require thyroid medication to help maintain proper hormone levels. Different thyroid medicines are available to increase or decrease hormone levels, depending on the needs of the patient.

ANAPLASTIC THYROID CANCER TREATMENTS

Thyroid Surgery

Anaplastic cancer surgery focuses on removing all traces of cancer from the thyroid. This means removing all of the thyroid gland, as well as any affected lymph nodes.

External Beam Therapy

External beam therapy uses radiation to destroy cancerous cells. Radiation may be used in conjunction with thyroid surgery to stop cancer from spreading. During this procedure, the patient lies down while controlled waves of radiation are directed to the area where cancer is present.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy may also be used with thyroid cancer surgery and external beam therapy to slow the growth of anaplastic cancer. Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer medications to attack cancer cells. Chemo medicines are given orally or through an injection.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is another type of anti-cancer treatment. These medicines are taken orally and can stop cancer cells by manipulating their proteins and genes. Targeted therapy is best used in conjunction with other anaplastic cancer treatments.

Thyroid MEDICATION

Patients who have had anaplastic thyroid cancer surgery require thyroid medication to help maintain proper hormone levels. Different thyroid medicines are available to increase or decrease hormone levels, depending on the needs of the patient.

WHAT PATIENTS SAY ABOUT DR. SHIN

Dr. Shin is an exceptional physician for quite a number of reasons. His bedside mannerism is excellent as he always listens attentively and patiently to my concerns, without ever being dismissive. Let me also note that he is compassionate, caring, and sensitive – always taking the time to try and diminish my fears. Ultimately, as a patient, I always feel listened to, and equally as important, I walk away feeling confident in his diagnosis and treatment plan.

- Anna H.

Considering the challenges in our current healthcare system, it’s very easy for doctors to see their patients merely as subjects to the disease or condition, hence taking away that human side that affects the patients’ wellness. However, Dr. Shin is different. He’s not only a brilliant doctor, he is very genuine and humble. He listens and provides the highest standards of care!

- Era M.

I have been a patient of Dr. Shin for 2 1/2 years and he literally saved my life. Dr. Shin diagnosed my very rare head/neck cancer and referred me to a top oncologist in the field. He continues to treat me post-cancer for residual issues and I give Dr. Shin my strongest recommendation. Dr. Shin also has a terrific bedside manner.

- Douglas S.

I have been dealing with sinus infections for more than a decade. In recent years sinus infections had gotten more frequent and were affecting my daily life more. I switched doctors and was referred to Dr. Shin for septoplasty. I breathe much better than I have in years. Dr. Shin is a humble doctor who truly cares and listens. I would recommend him to any person in need of an ENT, especially for surgery.

- Karina M.

I have been seeing Dr. Shin for over 2 years now, during which he and his team have patiently diagnosed and treated me. Dr. Shin also performed a sinus surgery that has completely improved my quality of life. I recommend Dr. Shin and his office to all of my friends and colleagues who experience sinus troubles.

- Tina Z.

When I was pre-diagnosed with lymphoma, I was referred to see Dr. Shin for a biopsy. Knowing the metastatic nature of the disease, the staff offered an immediate appointment so I can have my cells examined as soon as possible. The biopsy was conducted by Dr. Shin himself and it was quick and painless. Dr. Shin was very good because he was gentle and knowledgeable. In addition, I was well informed of the procedure before, during, and after.

- Sarah P.

Excellent doctor, highly recommended. After the hearing test was conducted the doctor provided consultation and diagnosed the causes of the hearing loss. The office provided an interpreter who helped to translate for the patient who doesn't speak English.

- Maria D.

Dr. Shin is an excellent physician who always takes the time to listen to his patients. He addresses their concerns with his knowledge, expertise, and sensitivity...a perfect blend of an expert in his field coupled with a wonderful bedside manner. I would highly recommend Dr. Shin.

- Anonymous

Dr. Shin was polite, knowledgeable, and an effective communicator. He referred me to specialists who were excellent. Sometimes the referral process can be drawn out, but Dr. Shin and his office did everything they could to move things along in a timely fashion.

- Anonymous

He explained the situation that I had and did not rush the check up. He asks if you have any questions and will answer your questions more in depth when prompted. Overall a very friendly and patient doctor. I would definitely recommend.

- Anonymous