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Pediatric anaplastic thyroid cancer

Pediatric anaplastic (an·​a·​pla·​sia) thyroid cancer is a rare, malignant (cancerous) tumor of the thyroid gland.

Overview

What is pediatric anaplastic thyroid cancer?

There are four types of thyroid cancer. Anaplastic thyroid cancer is the most advanced and aggressive type.

This condition is very rare, as it is found in less than 2 percent of people with thyroid cancer. Anaplastic thyroid cancer typically occurs in people age 60 or older, and it is especially rare in children.

Signs and Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of pediatric anaplastic thyroid cancer?

The main symptom of anaplastic thyroid cancer is a growing mass on the neck.

Causes

What are the causes of pediatric anaplastic thyroid cancer?

Causes of this condition can include:

  • History of radiation exposure to the chest or neck

  • Long-term goiter (enlarged thyroid)