Anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid following external irradiation

Two patients with anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid following irradiation for Hodgkin's disease are presented, and the previously reported cases briefly reviewed. The risk of late development of thyroid carcinoma is life-long and high-dose irradiation in patients with prolonged life expectancy may result in anaplastic carcinoma as well as less malignant histological forms.