Surgical resection of the primary tumor prevents an undesirable locoregional condition and improves the quality of life in patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer

Purpose Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is a highly aggressive tumor that invades surrounding tissues and rapidly metastasizes throughout the body. Growth of the primary tumor in the neck often causes serious conditions that decrease the quality of life (QOL) of patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of surgical resection in improving the QOL of patients with ATC. Methods This was a retrospective review of 62 patients with ATC treated at Shinshu University Hospital between January 2001 and June 2019. Results Fourteen patients underwent R0/R1 resection. Thirteen of the 14 patients received postoperative radiation, and 4 received chemotherapy. The mean survival period was 15.4 ± 18.2 (range, 2–75) months. Distant metastases appeared within 3.2 ± 2.3 months postoperatively in 12 patients. A permanent tracheostomy was required in six patients; however, eight patients did not show airway obstruction until death. Daily treatment for exudate or bleeding from tumors that eroded in the neck, which deteriorated the QOL, was unnecessary in 12 patients. Conclusions As surgical resection can improve the QOL in patients with ATC, thyroid surgeons should promptly and carefully evaluate the resectability of the tumor and favor resection as much as possible.