Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer (ATC) is a rare and aggressive form of thyroid cancer, characterized by uncontrolled cell growth within the thyroid gland. It progresses rapidly and often has a poor prognosis. Unlike other thyroid cancers, ATC is notably aggressive and resistant to conventional treatments. This article explores ATC’s characteristics and whether it is an inherited condition.
Understanding Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Anaplastic thyroid cancer is an aggressive human cancer, known for its swift and invasive behavior. It accounts for 1% to 2% of all thyroid cancer cases, making it exceptionally rare. Unlike more common differentiated thyroid cancers, ATC cells are highly abnormal and do not resemble typical thyroid cells. This undifferentiated nature contributes to its rapid growth, local invasion, and early spread to distant parts of the body. Patients often present with a rapidly enlarging neck mass, which can cause symptoms like difficulty swallowing, breathing, or voice changes due to compression of nearby structures.
Is Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Inherited?
Anaplastic thyroid cancer is generally not considered hereditary. Unlike some other cancer types, or even certain forms of thyroid cancer like medullary thyroid cancer, there is no strong evidence indicating a direct inherited genetic predisposition for ATC. Most cases of ATC are sporadic, meaning they occur without a clear family history of the disease. While some genetic changes can increase an individual’s susceptibility to thyroid cancer, the vast majority of ATC cases are not caused by inherited gene alterations.
How Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Develops
Since anaplastic thyroid cancer is not inherited, its development primarily involves genetic mutations that occur during a person’s lifetime. These are known as acquired or somatic mutations, meaning they arise in thyroid cells over time rather than being present from birth. Many cases of ATC are believed to evolve from pre-existing differentiated thyroid cancers, such as papillary or follicular thyroid cancer, or from long-standing benign conditions like goiters. This progression involves the accumulation of various genetic alterations within the thyroid cells.
Common acquired mutations found in ATC tumors include those in the BRAF, TERT promoter, and TP53 genes. For instance, BRAF V600E mutations are observed in a significant percentage of ATC cases, as are TERT promoter and TP53 mutations. These genetic changes disrupt normal cell growth and regulation, contributing to the aggressive nature of ATC.
Several risk factors can contribute to the development of ATC. Advanced age is a significant factor, with the disease occurring most often in people over 60 years old. Prior radiation exposure to the head and neck is another recognized risk factor. A history of long-standing goiters or pre-existing differentiated thyroid cancer can also increase the likelihood of ATC development.