Medical Health Encyclopedia

Anaplastic thyroid cancer

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Thyroid cancer - CT scan Thyroid gland

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Anaplastic thyroid cancer

Definition:

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

Alternative Names:
Anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid

Text Continues Below

---

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.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.