[Follicular carcinoma and Hürthle cell tumor of the thyroid]

In this paper we present the current therapeutical strategies for follicular carcinoma (10-15% of all thyroid tumours) which is more common in areas of endemic goitre, and is classified according to histology into encapsulated and angioinvasive (more aggressive). The treatment of choice is total thyroidectomy, eventually associated with functional latero-cervical lymphadenectomy. Distant metastases can be treated by surgery if single and resectable, or by radiometabolic therapy in the other cases. Hürthle cell (oxyphilic) tumour, also called oncocytoma, has an unpredictable biological behaviour, even after histological examination. During the eighties the preferred treatment was total thyroidectomy, but currently many authors favour a less aggressive approach, especially with lesions considered "benign" according to the common histological parameters. We too apply an individualised strategy of treatment; follow-up must be very thorough in order to detect early any recurrence.