Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer?
An endocrinologist, a doctor who treats hormone problems, an oncologist, a cancer doctor, and a surgeon usually treat anaplastic thyroid cancer. This cancer is one of the fastest growing cancers, so it is very important to work with a team of experts as soon as possible. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is anaplastic thyroid cancer?
Anaplastic thyroid cancer, also called anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, is a rare and aggressive form of cancer of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a gland in the front of the neck. It sends out hormones to the rest of the body. This cancer invades other parts of the body very quickly. It makes up 1% to 2% of thyroid cancer cases and usually affects people over age 60.
Symptoms
Anaplastic thyroid cancer can start as a bump in the throat area. Symptoms often grow fast. They include:
- A lower neck lump, which often grows quickly.
- Hoarseness or a changing voice. The tumor can make your voice hoarse by blocking your vocal cords, the cords in your throat that make your voice.
- Difficulty swallowing or difficulty breathing. The tumor can make it difficult to breathe by blocking your windpipe. Loud breathing is also a symptom.
- Pain in the neck.
- Cough and coughing up blood.
Some people also have an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
Causes and who gets it
The cause of anaplastic thyroid cancer is unknown, and it does not run in families. It often starts in a thyroid that is already unhealthy. It can form within a goiter, which is an enlarged thyroid gland, or it can grow from another thyroid cancer. It is more common in females than in males, and it usually affects people over age 60.
Scientists have found many different cell changes in this cancer. There are likely many ways it can start, which makes it very hard to develop one treatment that works for all patients.
How doctors diagnose it
A physical exam almost always shows a growth in the neck. Imaging scans such as ultrasound, CT, and MRI show the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.
A biopsy makes the diagnosis. The doctor takes a small sample from the tumor with a needle. A pathologist, a doctor who studies cells under a microscope, then sees what kind of tumor it is. The tumor tissue can be checked for genetic markers, which are gene changes that may suggest targets for treatment. Patients should also have molecular testing for a mutation (a change) in the BRAF gene.
Other tests may include laryngoscopy, a look at the airway with a fiberoptic scope (a thin, flexible tube with a light), which may show a paralyzed vocal cord. Thyroid function blood tests are normal in most cases.
Treatment
Doctors may remove the thyroid in a surgery called a thyroidectomy. If a thyroidectomy is not an option, your doctor will discuss other options with you. Surgery combined with radiation therapy and chemotherapy may have a significant benefit.
Some people have a mutation (a change) in the BRAF gene. For them, targeted medicines called dabrafenib and trametinib are used, and they may improve outcomes. For some people, enrolling in a clinical trial of new thyroid cancer treatments based on the genetic changes in the tumor may be an option.
During treatment, surgery to place a tube in the throat to help with breathing (a tracheostomy) or in the stomach to help with eating (a gastrostomy) may be needed.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor right away if you notice a neck lump that is growing fast, or if your voice changes or becomes hoarse. This cancer can make it difficult to breathe by blocking your windpipe. Call 911 right away for trouble breathing or coughing up blood.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. This doctor can help you reach cancer specialists and coordinate your care. They can also keep track of your overall health during treatment.
Common questions
Is anaplastic thyroid cancer treatable?
Treatment is possible, but this cancer is a difficult disease to treat because of its ability to spread to the rest of the body. A thyroidectomy is often combined with radiation therapy and chemotherapy treatments. If a thyroidectomy is not an option, your doctor will discuss other options with you.
Does anaplastic thyroid cancer run in families?
No. It does not run in families. It often starts in a thyroid that is already unhealthy, but scientists do not know exactly why it forms.
What is the outlook for people with this cancer?
Anaplastic thyroid cancer is one of the fastest growing cancers. Only half of people with it survive 6 months after diagnosis. Newer targeted medicines for the BRAF gene change have shown promise. It is very important to work with a team of experts as soon as possible after diagnosis to improve your chances of survival.
What is the thyroid gland?
The thyroid is a gland in the front of the neck, just below the Adam's apple. It sends out hormones to the rest of your body. A thyroidectomy is surgery to remove this gland.
Sources
- National Cancer Institute - Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
- MedlinePlus - Anaplastic thyroid cancer
- National Cancer Institute - Thyroid Cancer Treatment
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
