Hurthle cell neoplasms. Malignant potential
A. K. Gosain and O. H. Clark
We studied the records of patients with Hurthle cell neoplasms seen at the
University of California at San Francisco, from 1943 to 1982, because of
controversy concerning the malignant potential of these tumors. Of our 84
patients, 71 had Hurthle cell adenomas (HCAs), nine had Hurthle cell change
in chronic thyroiditis, and four had Hurthle cell carcinomas. Coexisting
papillary thyroid carcinoma occurred in three patients with HCA. Twelve
patients with HCAs had multiple lesions, five of which were bilateral.
Patients with HCA were followed up for 675 patient-years, 45 for four years
or more (maximum duration, 36 years). There were no recurrences or deaths
among the patients with benign Hurthle cell tumors. Thus, patients with HCA
had a benign course, and histologic examination results accurately
reflected malignant potential.
