What Does That Mean Poorly Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma?

Posted on Thu, 12 Nov 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 Answered on

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, my mother’s biopsy report came back with a diognosis that says the finding are consistent with poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma. What does that mean? How urgent is her situation and what treatment should we consider?

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
About thyroid cancer prognosis:

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
There are 4 types of thyroid carcinomas; papillary carcinoma, folicular carcinoma, medullary carcinoma, anaplastic carcinoma.
The post operative treatment depends on the type.
Anaplastic is the most un-differentiated and has a very poor prognosis.
Papillary and folicular carcinoma needs radioactive iodine treatment after surgery and they prognosis is good.
Hope the information will help.
Best wishes,
Dr.Mirjeta Guni

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Mirjeta Guni (45 minutes later)

Thank you Doctor. Does the diagnosis on the report specify the type of thyroid carcinoma and if not how is that determined?

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (37 hours later)

Brief Answer:
About FNa:

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
This is not a biopsy, this is the result of FNA ( fine needle aspiration), that means that the material from the thyroid is taken by a needle and the cells taken seems to be malignant. In these cases thyroidectomy is performed and after the thyroid gland is removed than the biopsy is done and it shows the type of the malignancy that helps the doctor to decide for the next treatment.
Wish her good health,
Best wishes,
Dr.Mirjeta Guni

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T