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
Hurthle cells are also called Askanazy cells. They are specific cells found in thyroid visible on the histological pictures of the gland. They may be present in a variety of thyroid diseases including 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