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Thyroid cancer - CT scan Thyroid gland

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Anaplastic thyroid cancer

Alternative Names: Anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid Treatment: This type of cancer is treated with surgery to remove the tumor, or radiation therapy, or both. Surgery may require placement of a tube in the throat to help breathing (tracheostomy). This tumor is not responsive to radioactive iodine, which is used to treat other types of thyroid cancer. It is also usually not responsive to chemotherapy. Support Groups: Text Continues Below The stress of illness can often be eased by joining a support group of people sharing common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group. Expectations (prognosis): The prognosis of this disease is poor. Less than 5% of patients survive 5 years. Most people do not survive longer than 6 months. Complications: Spread of tumor within the neck Metastasis (spread) of cancer to other body tissues or organs Calling your health care provider: Call your health care provider if there is a persistent lump or mass in the neck, hoarseness, changing voice, cough or coughing up blood.

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