Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is rare (<2%) but represents the most aggressive form of thyroid cancer. It behaves very differently from other thyroid cancers and requires urgent, multidisciplinary care.
🧠 Key characteristics of ATC
Rapidly growing neck mass Often presents with hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or breathing problems Frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage Can arise from pre-existing differentiated thyroid cancer
🔍 How is ATC diagnosed?
Clinical suspicion due to rapid growth Imaging (CT/MRI) to assess airway and invasion Core needle biopsy or surgical biopsy for confirmation Molecular testing (e.g., BRAF V600E) to guide targeted therapy
⚖️ How is ATC treated?
Management requires a multidisciplinary approach:
Airway protection is often the first priority Surgery when feasible Radiation therapy and systemic therapy Targeted therapy and immunotherapy have significantly improved outcomes in selected patients
📈 Prognosis
Historically poor Modern targeted therapies have changed the landscape, improving survival in carefully selected patients Early referral to specialized centers is critical
🦋 ATC is a medical emergency—time matters.
👨⚕️ Dr. Rodrigo Arrangoiz, MD
Surgical Oncologist – Thyroid, Head & Neck, Breast
Mount Sinai Medical Center
📌 Take-home message:
Anaplastic thyroid cancer is aggressive, but early recognition and modern therapies are improving outcomes.
📚 References
Smallridge RC et al. ATA Guidelines for Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer. Thyroid Bible KC et al. Targeted therapy in ATC. NEJM NCCN Guidelines: Thyroid Carcinoma
My name is Rodrigo Arrangoiz I am a breast surgeon/ thyroid surgeon / parathyroid surgeon / head and neck surgeon / surgical oncologist that works at Center for Advanced Surgical Oncology in Miami, Florida.
I was trained as a surgeon at Michigan State University from (2005 to 2010) where I was a chief resident in 2010. My surgical oncology and head and neck training was performed at the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia from 2010 to 2012. At the same time I underwent a masters in science (Clinical research for health professionals) at the University of Drexel. Through the International Federation of Head and Neck Societies / Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center I performed a two year head and neck surgery and oncology / endocrine fellowship that ended in 2016.
Mi nombre es Rodrigo Arrangoiz, soy cirujano oncólogo / cirujano de tumores de cabeza y cuello / cirujano endocrino que trabaja Center for Advanced Surgical Oncology en Miami, Florida.
Fui entrenado como cirujano en Michigan State University (2005 a 2010 ) donde fui jefe de residentes en 2010. Mi formación en oncología quirúrgica y e n tumores de cabeza y cuello se realizó en el Fox Chase Cancer Center en Filadelfia de 2010 a 2012. Al mismo tiempo, me sometí a una maestría en ciencias (investigación clínica para profesionales de la salud) en la Universidad de Drexel. A través de la Federación Internacional de Sociedades de Cabeza y Cuello / Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center realicé una sub especialidad en cirugía de cabeza y cuello / cirugia endocrina de dos años que terminó en 2016.
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Rodrigo Arrangoiz MS, MD, FACS, FSSO 