Overview

Hürthle (pronounced “HEERT-luh” or “HER-THUL) cell carcinoma is a rare, aggressive form of thyroid cancer. Your thyroid is a small gland in the base of your neck. Your thyroid releases hormones that help regulate your metabolism. Hürthle cell carcinoma causes tumors that may affect your ability to speak and breathe. Left untreated, it may spread to other areas of your body, including your lymph nodes, lungs and bones. Healthcare providers treat this cancer with surgery to remove all or part of your thyroid.

How does this condition affect my body?

People may have Hürthle cell carcinoma without noticing changes in their bodies. Some people are diagnosed after having tests for unrelated issues. When Hürthle cell carcinoma does begin to cause symptoms, they may start as lumps or bumps on your thyroid that make noticeable lumps on the front of your throat. As the tumors grow, they may press on your esophagus, making it hard for you to swallow, or on your trachea (windpipe) so you have trouble breathing. The tumor may press on your vocal cords, changing how you sound when you talk.

Is Hürthle cell carcinoma always cancer?

Noncancerous and cancerous Hürthle cell tumors may cause similar symptoms. Sometimes, healthcare providers can’t tell if a tumor is cancerous or noncancerous until they can examine tumor cells under a microscope.

Who is affected by Hürthle cell carcinoma?

Anyone can develop Hürthle cell carcinoma, but it’s more common among people ages 55 and older. Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) are more likely to develop this condition than men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB).

Is this a common condition?

No, it’s not. About 14 in 100,000 people are diagnosed with thyroid cancer annually. Hürthle cell carcinoma represents about 3% of all cases of thyroid cancer.

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Symptoms

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.
The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:
  • High blood pressure.
  • Diabetes.
  • Heart failure.
  • Some types of heart valve disease.
Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:
  • Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
  • Don't smoke or use tobacco.
  • Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
  • Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
  • Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Reduce and manage stress.


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