Hürthle cell lesions in thyroid neoplasms

A study of nine cases of Hürthle cell lesions of the thyroid seen in a period of five years at Al-Adan Hospital, Kuwait, is presented. Chart review of physician's contact, patient follow-up and histopathological review showed two cases (22%) were due to Hürthle cell hyperplasia only, and seven (78%) were Hürthle cell tumours, of which Hürthle cell carcinoma was seen in three cases (33%) and Hürthle cell adenoma in four (44%). Of the four cases with adenoma, three (33%) had solitary lesions and one had an associated papillary carcinoma. The extent of primary surgical treatment did not affect the prognosis of adenoma. It is suggested that lobectomy with isthmectomy should be sufficient treatment for Hürthle cell adenoma, while more radical surgery should be reserved for cases with accepted malignant criteria.