STUDY AIM: 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. PATIENT AND METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.
STUDY AIM: 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. PATIENT AND METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: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.