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Hurthle Cell Cancer (HCC) is a very rare type of thyroid cancer and can be more aggressive form of thyroid cancer than other types. The thyroid gland is the butterfly-shaped gland at the neck, and it is responsible for production of hormones for metabolism, growth, and development of the body. The most common treatment are surgery and chemotherapy.
Symptoms
Hurthle cell cancer (HCC) does not always shows any symptoms, however, physical examination or imaging could help identify the disease. The signs and symptoms may not be specific for Hurthle cell cancer and it may instead be diagnosed as another disease therefore it is advisable to visit a specialist for proper diagnosis.
Signs and symptoms of HCC are as follows:
- Painful lump at the neck or throat
- Difficulty in speaking, breathing, or swallowing
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Hoarseness voice or change in voice
If you notice any signs and symptoms that are not normal and it worries you, then you should make an appointment with your doctor.
Causes
The exact cause of Hurthle cell cancer is still unknown. Generally, cancer starts when the cell’s DNA mutates. This mutation causes the cells to grow and divide rapidly outliving the healthy cells, and later on forms a tumor which can invade surrounding tissue or spread to other part of the body (metastasize).
Risk factors
Factors that may increase Hurthle cell cancer risk include:
- Family history: it is possible to develop HCC if there is a history of thyroid cancer from your parents or siblings.
- Radiation exposure: people who have exposure to radiation such as X-ray or radiation therapy particularly to the neck and head.
- Gender and age: It more commonly occurs in women than in men and is also common among older people.
Diagnosis
In order to diagnose Hurthle cell cancer, the following procedures may be recommended:
- Physical Examination: examination of the neck and lymph nodes by the specialist.
- Diagnostic Imaging Procedure: includes Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Computerized Tomography (CT), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This is to determine the extent of the cancer.
- Blood tests: specialist will request laboratory tests for the thyroid functions.
- Ultrasound: use sound waves that will make a picture of the organ or gland.
- Tissue Biopsy: A tissue sample will be removed for laboratory testing and then sent to the pathology for evaluate for any signs of cancer in order to diagnose the staging and the type of thyroid cell disorder.
- Laryngoscopy: is a procedure to examine the larynx (vocal box) by using special camera.
Treatment
Surgical removal of the thyroid is the common treatment for Hurthle cell cancer. Treatment options would be discussed with the specialist.
Surgery
- Thyroidectomy: surgical removal of the all or part of the thyroid gland. Medication will be prescribed for normalizing the thyroid hormones after the surgery.
- Radioactive iodine therapy – is a radioactive liquid capsule, that is taken orally take by the patient. Iodine substance will help destroy any thyroid tissue that remains after surgery.
- Radiation therapy – uses high powered energy beams that will kill cancer cells. The therapy could be applied if there are remaining cancer cell after the surgery and radioactive iodine treatment or if the cancer spreads.
- Targeted Drug Therapy – used in the treatment of advanced cancer. This therapy could be recommended if cancer cell returns despite other treatments.
