Overview

Hurthle (HEERT-luh) cell cancer is a rare cancer that affects the thyroid gland.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the base of your neck. It secretes hormones that are essential for regulating your body's metabolism.

Hurthle cell cancer is also called Hurthle cell carcinoma or oxyphilic cell carcinoma. Hurthle cell cancer is one of several types of cancers that affect the thyroid.

Hurthle cell cancer can be more aggressive than other types of thyroid cancer. Surgery to remove the thyroid gland is the most common treatment.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Symptoms

Hurthle cell cancer doesn't always cause symptoms, and it's sometimes detected during a physical examination or an imaging test done for some other reason.

Signs and symptoms of Hurthle cell cancer may include:

• A lump in your neck, just below your Adam's apple
• Pain in your neck or throat
• Hoarseness or other changes in your voice
• Shortness of breath
• Swallowing difficulty

These signs and symptoms don't necessarily mean you have Hurthle cell cancer. They may be indications of other medical conditions — such as inflammation of the thyroid gland or a noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid (goiter).

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Causes

It's not clear what causes Hurthle cell cancer.

Doctors know that cancer begins when a cell develops errors in its DNA — the genetic material that contains instructions for biochemical processes in your body. When DNA is altered or damaged, these genes may not function properly, causing cells to grow out of control and eventually form a mass (tumor) of cancerous (malignant) cells.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Diagnosis

Tests and procedures used to diagnose Hurthle cell cancer include:

• Physical exam. Your doctor will examine your neck, checking the size of your thyroid and seeing whether your lymph nodes are swollen.
• Blood tests. Blood tests may reveal abnormalities in your thyroid function that give your doctor more information about your condition.
• Imaging tests. Imaging tests, including ultrasound and CT, can help your doctor determine whether an abnormal growth is present in the thyroid.
• Removing a sample of thyroid tissue for testing (biopsy). During a thyroid biopsy, a fine needle is passed through the skin of your neck guided by ultrasound images. The needle is attached to a syringe, which withdraws a sample of thyroid tissue. The sample is analyzed in a laboratory for signs of cancer.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Complications

Possible complications of Hurthle cell cancer include:

• Problems with swallowing and breathing. They can occur if the tumor grows and presses on the food tube (esophagus) and windpipe (trachea).
• Spread of the cancer. Hurthle cell cancer can spread (metastasize) to other tissues and organs, making treatment and recovery more difficult.

Coping and support

A diagnosis of Hurthle cell cancer can be challenging and frightening. With time you'll find strategies to help you manage the stress and anxiety of a cancer diagnosis. Until then, here are some ideas to help you cope:

• Find someone to talk with. You may feel comfortable discussing your feelings with a friend or family member, or you might prefer meeting with a formal support group. Support groups for the families of cancer survivors also are available.
• Let people help. Cancer treatments can be exhausting. Let friends and family know what would be most useful for you.
• Set reasonable goals. Having goals helps you feel in control and can give you a sense of purpose. But choose goals that you can reach.
• Take time for yourself. Eating well, relaxing and getting enough rest may help combat the stress and fatigue of cancer.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Risk factors

Factors that increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer include:

• Being female
• Being older
• Having a history of radiation treatments to the head and neck

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com