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Updated: Apr 25, 2026
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Spontaneous Murine Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Published on: February 3, 2023
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Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma presenting as bilateral pleural effusion
R Sodhi1, G Sindhwani1, S Chandra2
1Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.
Lung India : Official Organ of Indian Chest Society
|August 16, 2014
Summary
Anaplastic thyroid cancer rarely presents as malignant pleural effusion. This case highlights respiratory symptoms as the sole initial indicator of this rare presentation of advanced thyroid cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pulmonology
- Pathology
Background:
- Anaplastic thyroid cancer is an aggressive endocrine malignancy with poor prognosis.
- Malignant pleural effusion is an uncommon but serious complication of advanced cancers.
- Bilateral malignant pleural effusion as the initial presentation of anaplastic thyroid cancer is exceptionally rare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of anaplastic thyroid cancer presenting solely with respiratory symptoms.
- To emphasize the importance of considering anaplastic thyroid cancer in the differential diagnosis of unexplained malignant pleural effusion.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and clinical implications of this rare oncological emergency.
Main Methods:
- Case report detailing clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and management.
- Review of relevant literature on anaplastic thyroid cancer and malignant pleural effusion.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with isolated respiratory distress.
- Diagnostic investigations revealed bilateral malignant pleural effusion.
- Subsequent evaluation confirmed the effusion was secondary to anaplastic thyroid cancer.
Conclusions:
- Anaplastic thyroid cancer can manifest initially with non-specific respiratory symptoms.
- Bilateral malignant pleural effusion should prompt a thorough investigation for underlying malignancy, including thyroid cancer.
- Early diagnosis and management are crucial for improving outcomes in patients with advanced anaplastic thyroid cancer.
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