Hürthle cell

Hürthle cell (also known as oxyphil cell or Askanazy cell) is a type of cell found in the thyroid gland. Named after the German pathologist Karl Hürthle, these cells are characterized by their large size, abundant granular cytoplasm, and distinct, large nucleus.

Characteristics

Hürthle cells are larger than typical follicular cells of the thyroid. They contain abundant, granular, eosinophilic cytoplasm due to the presence of numerous mitochondria. The nucleus of a Hürthle cell is large, round, and centrally located.

Function

Hürthle cells are involved in the production of thyroid hormones, which are essential for regulating the body's metabolism. They are also responsible for the uptake and concentration of iodine, which is a crucial step in thyroid hormone synthesis.

Clinical significance

Hürthle cells are often associated with certain types of thyroid disease, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease, and thyroid cancer. In particular, a proliferation of Hürthle cells can lead to the formation of a Hürthle cell adenoma or carcinoma.

Hürthle cell adenoma

A Hürthle cell adenoma is a benign tumor of the thyroid that is composed entirely of Hürthle cells. It is typically non-functioning, meaning it does not produce excess thyroid hormone.

Hürthle cell carcinoma

Hürthle cell carcinoma is a rare form of thyroid cancer that is derived from Hürthle cells. It is often aggressive and has a poorer prognosis compared to other types of thyroid cancer.

See also

• Thyroid
• Thyroid disease
• Thyroid hormones
• Thyroid cancer