20603              ANAPLASTIC CARCIN0MA

No clinical information is available except that this is a surgical specimen of one lobe of the thyroid which has been bisected.  The mass measured about 9 x 3 x 5 cms.  The cut surface shows pale cellular fleshy tissue with patches of haemorrhage and necrosis apparently spreading beyond the capsule of the thyroid.  Histology showed active anaplastic carcinoma, composed mainly of sheets of spindle cells.  Mitotic figures and tumour giant cells are common.  Invasion of veins is present.  The background is inactive adenomatous thyroid tissue.