ANAPLASTIC CARCINOMA OF THE THYROID WITH NODAL AND LUNG METASTATSES: RADIOLOGICAL INSIGHTS INTO A GRIM DIAGNOSIS-A CASE REPORT

Anaplastic carcinoma is an extremely rare and aggressive malignancy, often arising from pre-existing differentiated thyroid carcinomas. It is associated with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. We present the case of a 65-yearold female patient who presented with a rapidly enlarging neck mass and symptoms of airway obstruction. Clinical examination and imaging revealed an infiltrative thyroid mass. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) suggested malignancy, and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of anaplastic carcinoma. The patient was managed with a combination of palliative radiotherapy and chemotherapy, as surgical resection was not feasible due to extensive local invasion. Despite aggressive treatment, the disease progressed rapidly, and the patient succumbed to the illness within three months of diagnosis. Anaplastic carcinoma represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to its aggressive nature and dismal prognosis. Early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach are essential for optimizing patient care.