Etymed
anaplastic thyroid carcinoma
Definition
A highly malignant and aggressive form of thyroid cancer characterized by poorly differentiated cells that do not resemble normal thyroid tissue
Clinical context
A 58-year-old woman presents with a rapidly growing neck mass and hoarseness of voice. Imaging reveals a large, irregular thyroid mass with local invasion into surrounding structures. The patient's condition has deteriorated significantly over several weeks despite initial treatment attempts.
Mnemonic
ANAPLASTIC - Aggressive, No Thyroid differentiation, Poor prognosis, Large cells, Unusual features, Tumor with rapid growth, Advanced stage, Malignant with poor outcome
These morphemes also unlock…
- an- — without; not
- aplastic — without formation; immature
- thyroid — thyroid
- carcinoma — cancer; tumor