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.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- 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.
Living with atrial fibrillation?
Heart Rhythm Conditions Discussions
Comments are closed for this post.