Hurthle cells

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Furqan M M. M.B.B.S[2]

Overview

Hurthle cells are also called Askanazy cells. They are the specific cells found in the thyroid gland and are visible on the histopathological picture. They may be present in a variety of thyroid diseases including Hashimoto's thyroiditis and thyroid carcinoma.

Hurthle cells

Hurthle cells are also called Askanazy cells. They are the specific cells found in the thyroid gland and are visible on the histopathological picture. They may be present in a variety of thyroid diseases including Hashimoto's thyroiditis and thyroid carcinoma. These cells are characterized by the following:

• Large, polygonal cells
• Eosinophilic cytoplasm
• Abundance of mitochondria

The significance of Hurthle cells

Hurthle cells are present in the following conditions:

• Hashimoto's thyroiditis
• Benign thyroid adenomas
• Follicular thyroid carcinoma