Natural history of thyroid carcinoma

Abstract

A study of 152 patients with thyroid carcinoma highlights the fundamental difference which exists between differentiated and anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid gland. It is possible that the aetiology of the two conditions is entirely different, the differentiated being a hormonally dependent tumour occurring in the young thyroid, the anaplastic an inexplicable malignant change occurring in the older gland. In differentiated carcinoma there are means available for controlling the disease and arresting or reversing the malignant process. Anaplastic carcinoma presents the same problems as cancer elsewhere in the body, the locality giving this particular tumour a worse prognosis than most. We are indebted to our colleagues at both hospitals, especially the members of the departments of physics, radiotherapy, and pathology. © 1962, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.