Korean J Head Neck Oncol.  2025 May;41(1):17-21. 10.21593/kjhno/2025.41.1.17.

Incidentally Detected Intrathyroidal Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma: A Rare Case Report

• Kim JW
• Koo BS
• Kang DW
• Chang JW

• KMID: 2568312
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21593/kjhno/2025.41.1.17

Abstract

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a rare and highly aggressive malignancy typically associated with dismal outcomes. Most patients present with advanced disease, often precluding curative resection. We report a case of intrathyroidal ATC incidentally identified in a 72-year-old male who underwent diagnostic lobectomy for a low-suspicion, predominantly cystic huge thyroid nodule. Final pathology revealed a completely resected, intrathyroidal ATC without extrathyroidal extension. Postoperative imaging showed no evidence of residual or metastatic disease. Based on multidisciplinary discussion, the patient underwent completion thyroidectomy and central neck dissection without adjuvant therapy. No residual malignancy was identified, and the patient remains recurrence-free at six months. This case highlights that early-stage intrathyroidal ATC may present without overt malignant features and can be curatively treated with complete surgical excision. Careful evaluation and multidisciplinary decision-making are essential in managing rapidly enlarging thyroid nodules with atypical features.

Keyword

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma⋅Combined modality therapy⋅Incidental findings⋅Prognosis⋅Thyroidectomy