What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Hürthle Cell Carcinoma of the Thyroid Gland
• Hurthle Cell Thyroid Cancer
• Oncocytic Cell Carcinoma of the Thyroid

What is Oncocytic Carcinoma of Thyroid? (Definition/Background Information)

• Oncocytic Carcinoma of Thyroid is a rare and more aggressive form of thyroid cancer that originates from the oncocytes (or Hürthle cells) in the thyroid gland. It is typically diagnosed in middle-aged and older men and women. This malignancy is also known as Hurthle Cell Carcinoma of Thyroid
• Even though the cause of Oncocytic Carcinoma of Thyroid is unknown, some of the factors that may influence its development include a positive family history of the condition, certain genetic disorders, and history of past radiation therapy to the head and neck region
• The signs and symptoms of Oncocytic Carcinoma of Thyroid depend on its size and may include fatigue, increased blood calcium levels, and the formation of kidney stones. A diagnosis of the condition involves measuring parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in blood, followed by a parathyroid gland biopsy, as needed
• The treatment of Oncocytic Carcinoma of Thyroid may include medication use, surgery, and/or radiation therapy, based on the healthcare provider’s assessment of the condition. The prognosis of this malignancy is generally improved with prompt diagnosis and adequate treatment
• Nevertheless, early detection, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate treatment are essential for the management and prognosis of Hurthle cell carcinoma. Regular check-ups, self-examinations, and a healthy lifestyle can help in the early detection and prevention of thyroid-related conditions

Who gets Oncocytic Carcinoma of Thyroid? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Oncocytic Carcinoma of Thyroid can occur in individuals of any age, but it is more commonly observed in adults over the age of 50
• It is slightly more prevalent in women than in men. The male-female ratio is around 1:2
• Presently, no racial or ethnic group preference is reported
• This form of malignancy is rare and is reported to constitute between 3-5% of all thyroid cancers

What are the Risk Factors for Oncocytic Carcinoma of Thyroid? (Predisposing Factors)

Several risk factors may increase the risk of developing Oncocytic Carcinoma of Thyroid:

• Age: The risk increases with advancing age, with the highest incidence in individuals over 50 years old
• Gender: Women are affected slightly more than men
• History of thyroid conditions: Individuals with a history of thyroid nodules, goiter, or Hashimoto's thyroiditis have a higher risk for developing this form of carcinoma
• Previous radiation therapy: Radiation exposure to the head or neck area, especially during childhood, increases the risk

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Oncocytic Carcinoma of Thyroid? (Etiology)

The exact cause of formation of Oncocytic Carcinoma of Thyroid is presently unknown.

• Oncocytic carcinoma is a type of thyroid cancer that arises from the oncocytes (also known variously as Ashkenazy cells, Hürthle cells, and oxyphil cells), which are a subtype of follicular cells in the thyroid gland. These cells produce and store thyroid hormones
• Certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing this condition, including:
  • Genetic mutations: Alterations in specific genes, such as the mitochondrial DNA or oncogenes, may contribute to the development of this form of carcinoma
  • Prior exposure to radiation: Individuals, particularly children, who have undergone radiation therapy to the head or neck region are increasingly susceptible to developing thyroid cancers, including Oncocytic Thyroid Carcinoma

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Oncocytic Carcinoma of Thyroid?

Oncocytic Carcinoma of Thyroid may present with similar signs and symptoms to other types of thyroid cancer or thyroid nodules. Common signs and symptoms may include:

• A painless lump or nodule in the neck
• Enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter)
• Hoarseness or voice changes
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Neck pain or discomfort
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

How is Oncocytic Carcinoma of Thyroid Diagnosed?

Diagnosing Oncocytic Carcinoma of Thyroid involves a combination of procedures and tests, including:

• Physical examination: A thorough examination of the neck to check for any abnormalities or nodules
• Thyroid function tests: Blood tests to evaluate the levels of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
• Parathyroid hormone (PTH) test: Blood test to measure intact PTH levels in circulation
• Radiological imaging tests: Ultrasound, CT, or MRI scan to visualize the thyroid and identify any nodules or tumors
• Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy (parathyroid gland biopsy): A procedure in which a small sample of tissue is collected from the thyroid nodule using a thin needle. The sample is then examined under a microscope to determine if cancerous cells are present

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Oncocytic Carcinoma of Thyroid?

Complications of Oncocytic Carcinoma of the Thyroid Gland may include:

• Local recurrence: The cancer may reappear in the thyroid or the surrounding tissues after initial treatment
• Distant metastasis: In advanced cases, the carcinoma can spread to distant sites such as the lungs or bones
• Impaired thyroid function: Surgical removal of the thyroid gland may lead to an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), requiring lifelong hormone replacement therapy

How is Oncocytic Carcinoma of Thyroid Treated?

The treatment approach for Oncocytic Carcinoma of Thyroid typically involves a combination of surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, and thyroid hormone replacement. The treatments include:

• Total or near-total thyroidectomy: Surgical removal of the thyroid gland and surrounding lymph nodes to remove the cancerous tissue
• Radioactive iodine therapy: After surgery, radioactive iodine is administered to destroy any remaining cancer cells
• Thyroid hormone replacement: Synthetic thyroid hormone medication is prescribed to replace the hormones that can no longer be produced in the body due to the surgically-removed thyroid gland
• In some cases, additional treatments, such as external beam radiation therapy or targeted therapy, may be considered, especially if the cancer has spread to other body parts or is recurrent

How can Oncocytic Carcinoma of Thyroid be Prevented?

As the exact cause of Oncocytic Carcinoma of Thyroid is not fully understood, there are no specific preventive measures currently available for this particular type of thyroid cancer. However, individuals can take certain steps to maintain overall thyroid health and reduce the risk of any thyroid-related conditions, including:

• Avoiding exposure to radiation: Minimize unnecessary exposure to radiation, especially to the head and neck area
• Regular self-examination: Perform regular self-examinations of the neck to check for any abnormalities or changes in the thyroid gland
• Routine check-ups: Regularly visit a healthcare provider for routine check-ups and screenings, particularly if there is a family history of thyroid disorders or thyroid cancer

What is the Prognosis of Oncocytic Carcinoma of Thyroid? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

Oncocytic Carcinoma of Thyroid is considered a more aggressive variant of thyroid cancer compared to other types. The prognosis varies depending on several factors, including the:

• Stage of the cancer
• Extent of its spread
• Age and overall health of the individual

Generally, Oncocytic Carcinoma of Thyroid has a slightly higher risk of recurrence and a higher chance of spreading (metastasis) compared to other types of thyroid cancer. However, with early detection, appropriate treatment, and regular monitoring, the prognosis can be favorable, and many individuals can achieve long-term survival.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Oncocytic Carcinoma of Thyroid:

The following link is a useful resource for information on cancers and benign tumors on DoveMed:

https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/cancer/