Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma: aggressive radical resection and cervical reconstruction. A case report

Anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid is a rare but highly malignant tumor. The goal of this study was to present the case of a patient who underwent a multimodal treatment and to analyze prognosis factors. We present the case of a patient treated in 1996 for an anaplasic thyroid carcinoma with cervical cutaneous invasion. The initial surgical procedure was a total thyroidectomy extended to the anterior cervical skin associated to bilateral neck dissection. The patient underwent a differed reconstruction with musculocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap. Management was then supplemented by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This patient is free of tumor 9 years after this multimodal management. She does not present any functionary sequela and plastic results of the reconstruction is considered as very satisfactory. Anaplastic carcinoma is one of more aggressive neoplasm affecting humans. This case report suggests that multimodality therapy, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy may offer hope for long-term survival. A musculocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap is a reliable solution to cover this large cervical defect.