Histologically, observation of regions of spontaneous necrosis and hemorrhage may be observed. Typically, angioinvasion is detectable. The giant cell subtype typically exhibits local calcification with significant osteoid formation. The paucicellular subtype demonstrates rapid growth, intense fibrosis, focal infarction, diffuse calcification, and adjacent vascular tissue encroached by atypical spindle cells. It is important to rule out lymphoma in the presence of a poorly differentiated, large-cell thyroid tumor.
Treatment is mostly palliative.
I studies Consider patients with unresectable tumors who are in good general condition for phase I studies. These studies are available in any major cancer center, generally are financed by the industry, and may help individual patients. Phase 1 trials represent the only opportunity to recognize drugs of some activity in this unusual disease. Use surgery to obtain a definitive diagnosis when fine needle aspiration is unsuccessful. Despite the typically large size of these tumors, extent of resection is limited when diagnosis is made.