Hurthle cell tumors of the thyroid gland. A clinicopathologic review and long-term follow-up

R. H. Caplan, R. M. Abellera and W. A. Kisken

We reviewed the pathology and clinical follow-up of 26 patients with H urthle cell adenomas and three patients harboring H urthle cell carcinomas, who were treated at our medical center from 1950 to 1979. Although benign lesions could not be distinguished from malignant tumors by cytologic features alone, other pathologic features allowed differentiation. A total thyroidectomy was performed in only one patient; the remaining patients were treated by less extensive operations. None of the patients with benign adenomas, including those with tumors greater than 2 cm in diameter, experienced recurrent or metastatic disease. The period of observation varied from two to 22 years (mean, 8.5 +/- 7.7 years). We conclude that lobectomy is a satisfactory operation for removal of benign H urthle cell tumors, and reserve total or near-total thyroidectomy for cases displaying pathologic evidence of malignancy.