Overview
Hurthle cell cancer, also known as Hurthle cell carcinoma or oxyphilic cell carcinoma, is a rare and potentially aggressive type of thyroid cancer. The thyroid gland, located at the base of the neck, plays a crucial role in regulating the body’s metabolism through hormone secretion. Hurthle cell cancer arises from the Hurthle cells, which are a variant of follicular cells in the thyroid. This cancer can be more aggressive than other thyroid cancers, often requiring surgical removal of the thyroid gland as the primary treatment.
Types of Hurthle cell cancer
- Hurthle Cell Adenoma: A benign tumor composed predominantly of Hurthle cells. It does not invade surrounding tissues.
- Hurthle Cell Carcinoma: A malignant tumor that can invade nearby tissues and metastasize to other parts of the body.
Causes of Hurthle cell cancer
The exact causes of Hurthle cell cancer are not well understood, but several factors may contribute:
- Genetic Mutations: Changes in specific genes may lead to the development of cancerous cells.
- Radiation Exposure: Previous exposure to radiation, especially in the neck area, can increase the risk.
- Chronic Inflammation: Conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may contribute to the development of Hurthle cell cancer.
- Age: It is more common in older adults.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop thyroid cancers, including Hurthle cell carcinoma.
Risk Factors of Hurthle cell cancer
Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing Hurthle cell cancer:
- Family History: A family history of thyroid cancer or other endocrine cancers.
- Radiation Exposure: Exposure to radiation treatments or environmental radiation.
- Chronic Thyroiditis: Long-term inflammation of the thyroid gland.
- Age and Gender: More common in women and older adults.
- Iodine Deficiency: Low levels of iodine in the diet can contribute to thyroid abnormalities.
Symptoms of Hurthle cell cancer
Hurthle cell cancer may present with various symptoms, including:Preventions of Hurthle cell cancer
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent Hurthle cell cancer, certain measures can reduce the risk:
- Avoid Radiation Exposure: Limit exposure to radiation, especially in the neck area.
- Regular Check-ups: Routine thyroid examinations can help detect abnormalities early.
- Healthy Diet: Ensure adequate iodine intake through diet or supplements.
- Manage Thyroid Conditions: Proper management of thyroiditis and other thyroid conditions.
Diagnosis of Hurthle cell cancer
Diagnosis of Hurthle cell cancer involves several steps:
- Physical Examination: Initial assessment of the neck for lumps or abnormalities.
- Ultrasound: Imaging to evaluate the size and characteristics of thyroid nodules.
- Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy: Sampling of thyroid tissue to examine cells under a microscope.
- Blood Tests: Checking thyroid function and levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
- Radioactive Iodine Scan: Assessing the spread of cancer within the thyroid and beyond.
Treatment for Hurthle cell cancer
Treatment plans for Hurthle cell cancer are tailored to the individual and may include:
- Surgery: Total thyroidectomy (removal of the thyroid gland) is the most common treatment.
- Radioactive Iodine Therapy: Used to destroy any remaining thyroid tissue or cancer cells after surgery.
- Thyroid Hormone Therapy: Replacement hormones to maintain normal metabolism after thyroid removal.
- External Beam Radiation Therapy: Targeted radiation to kill cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: In rare cases, used if cancer has spread extensively.
When to seek medical attention ?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience:
- A persistent lump in the neck
- Hoarseness or voice changes
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Unexplained neck pain
- Swollen lymph nodes.
