갑상선 유두상 암의 경부 림프절 전이에서 발생한 갑상선 역형성 암

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) has the most aggressive progression among thyroid malignancies and its prognosis is almost invariably fatal. ATC may arise de novo, but in most cases it develops from a pre-existing well-differentiated thyroid cancer. We present the case of a 77-year-old woman complained of neck mass and pain. She had a history of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and underwent total thyroidectomy in 14 years ago. 6 years ago, follow-up ultrasonography revealed cervical lymph node enlargement in left level III and fine needle aspiration cytology showed PTC. Because of the reluctance for surgery, the metastatic node was closely observed without re-operation. Ultrasonography guided core needle biopsy for cervical mass was performed and histopathology was consistent with ATC. Rapid deterioration of the patient’s general condition finalized with death within in six months from the initial presentation. Despite its rare occurrence, the possibility of anaplastic transformation from latent cervical metastasis of PTC and aggressive management should be considered. (J Clinical Otolaryngol 2018;29:128-132)