© 2021 American yroid Association. All rights reserved.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What causes ATC?
A: e cause of ATC is unknown, however, in some cases
it can arise from other types of thyroid cancers. ere
are not any known associations between ATC and any
lifestyle choices or behavioral factors. ATC occurs
most oen in people over age 60, and it rarely occurs in
younger people.
Q: What are the symptoms of ATC?
A: ATC can present in several ways. Most oen it presents
as a lump or nodule in the neck. In some cases it may
present as a neck mass with difficulty swallowing,
difficulty breathing, or even hoarseness if one of the
vocal cords is paralyzed by the tumor.
Q: How is ATC diagnosed?
A: Typically, a fine needle aspiration (FNA) or core biopsy
(a biopsy obtained using a larger needle) is performed.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, a full assessment of
your overall health is normally completed.
Q: Why wasn't my ATC diagnosed sooner?
A: ATC is rare, extremely difficult to detect early on, and
progresses rapidly. e time period between developing ATC
and having clinical symptoms is very short. Many patients
don't show any signs or symptoms until the cancer has already
spread to other parts of the body.
