How Is Hurthle Cell Carcinoma Detected?

The most noticeable sign of Hurthle cell cancer is the presence of lumps or nodules around the throat. Patients may discover these growths themselves while at home. In other cases, Hurthle cell cancer can be found during a routine check-up as your doctor examines your throat. Once cancer is suspected, you will be referred to a thyroid specialist who will perform the necessary tests to determine the likelihood of cancer. Blood tests, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, and thyroid uptake tests are some of the more common methods used to screen for cancer.

What Are Some Common Hurthle Cell Carcinoma Treatments?

The typical treatment for Hurthle cell carcinoma is thyroid surgery. Radioactive iodine or external beam radiation therapy may also be used alongside thyroid cancer surgery for comprehensive treatment.

What Are The Symptoms Of Hurthle Cell Cancer?

Many patients with Hurthle cell carcinoma do not present any symptoms (especially in the cancer’s earliest stages). The most common sign of Hurthle cell carcinoma is the presence of firm lumps that can be seen and felt around the throat. These lumps can quickly increase in size. As these masses continue to grow, they can compress surrounding structures like the trachea (windpipe) and esophagus (food pipe). As a result, patients with Hurthle cell cancer may experience discomfort or difficulty when swallowing, speaking, and breathing. Some patients experience enlarged, swollen lymph nodes. A hoarse or raspy voice may also be a symptom of Hurthle cell carcinoma.

What Can I Expect Following Hurthle Cell Cancer Surgery In Nyc?

Patients are usually discharged from the hospital after 1-2 days following Hurthle cell carcinoma surgery. A liquid diet may be recommended for the first few days because swallowing may be difficult and uncomfortable. Any discomfort can be easily tolerated with pain medication. Our thyroid cancer surgeon may prescribe a calcium course to prevent hypocalcemia (low calcium levels in the blood). It is important to rest and recover following your Hurthle cell cancer treatment. Vigorous activities and strenuous exercise should be avoided until permitted by Dr. Shin. Specific post-care instructions and guidelines can be discussed in more detail during your consultation for Hurthle cell carcinoma surgery.

What Causes Hurthle Cell Carcinoma?

Hurthle cell cancer affects the thyroid’s Hurthle cells. If these cells begin to divide and multiply uncontrollably, they can form a cancerous tumor in the thyroid gland. The exact causes of Hurthle cell carcinoma are not clear, but there are numerous risk factors that may make it more likely to develop Hurthle cell cancer.

What Is Hurthle Cell Carcinoma?

Hurthle cell carcinoma (also called oxyphilic cell carcinoma) is a very rare variant of follicular thyroid cancer. Hurthle cell cancer is more aggressive than papillary cancer or follicular cancer and can spread to nearby lymph nodes and blood vessels. Hurthle cell carcinoma is characterized by fast-growing lumps around the throat or neck. Although Hurthle cell cancer is aggressive, it is treatable if diagnosed early.

Will A Biopsy Determine My Hurthle Cell Cancer?

Unlike other thyroid cancers, Hurthle cell carcinoma is not confirmed using a biopsy. A fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy can determine if there is a presence of Hurthle cells in the growth, but it cannot determine if the growth is cancerous or non-cancerous. Hurthle cell carcinoma differs from many cancers in that the official diagnosis is not made until after the growth is surgically removed and tested.

Hurthle Cell Carcinoma NYC | Hurthle Cell Cancer Surgery

HURTHLE CELL CARCINOMA OVERVIEW
VERY RARE FORM OF CANCER
AFFECTS THE THYROID’S HURTHLE CELLS
MORE AGGRESSIVE THAN PAPILLARY CANCER OR FOLLICULAR CANCER
MOST COMMON SYMPTOM IS THE FORMATION OF FIRM LUMPS AROUND THE THROAT
PROFESSIONAL EVALUATION & COMPREHENSIVE TESTING CAN DETECT HURTHLE CELL CARCINOMA
TENDS TO OCCUR MORE IN WOMEN WHO ARE 50 YEARS OR OLDER
THYROID SURGERY IS THE MOST COMMON TREATMENT
SURGERY MAY BE COMBINED WITH RADIOACTIVE IODINE OR EXTERNAL BEAM RADIATION THERAPY
CONTINUED MONITORING & THYROID MEDICATIONS ARE REQUIRED AFTER TREATMENT

HURTHLE CELL CARCINOMA OVERVIEW

VERY RARE FORM OF CANCER

AFFECTS THE THYROID’S HURTHLE CELLS

MORE AGGRESSIVE THAN PAPILLARY CANCER OR FOLLICULAR CANCER

MOST COMMON SYMPTOM IS THE FORMATION OF FIRM LUMPS AROUND THE THROAT

PROFESSIONAL EVALUATION & COMPREHENSIVE TESTING CAN DETECT HURTHLE CELL CARCINOMA

TENDS TO OCCUR MORE IN WOMEN WHO ARE 50 YEARS OR OLDER

THYROID SURGERY IS THE MOST COMMON TREATMENT

SURGERY MAY BE COMBINED WITH RADIOACTIVE IODINE OR EXTERNAL BEAM RADIATION THERAPY

CONTINUED MONITORING & THYROID MEDICATIONS ARE REQUIRED AFTER TREATMENT

RISK FACTORS FOR HURTHLE CELL CARCINOMA
50+ YEARS OF AGE
FAMILY HISTORY OF THYROID CANCER
HISTORY OF THYROID DYSFUNCTION
GRAVES’ DISEASE
HASHIMOTO’S THYROIDITIS
MORE COMMON IN FEMALES

RISK FACTORS FOR HURTHLE CELL CARCINOMA

50+ YEARS OF AGE

FAMILY HISTORY OF THYROID CANCER

HISTORY OF THYROID DYSFUNCTION

GRAVES’ DISEASE

HASHIMOTO’S THYROIDITIS

MORE COMMON IN FEMALES

HURTHLE CELL CARCINOMA SYMPTOMS
THE EARLIEST STAGES MAY NOT DISPLAY ANY SYMPTOMS
LUMPS AROUND THE NECK OR THROAT THAT ARE FIRM TO THE TOUCH
LUMPS THAT GET VISIBLY LARGER OVER TIME
SWOLLEN LYMPH NODES
PAIN & DISCOMFORT AROUND THE THROAT
VOICE HOARSENESS
ISSUES SWALLOWING
DIFFICULTY BREATHING
CHRONIC DRY COUGH

HURTHLE CELL CARCINOMA SYMPTOMS

THE EARLIEST STAGES MAY NOT DISPLAY ANY SYMPTOMS

LUMPS AROUND THE NECK OR THROAT THAT ARE FIRM TO THE TOUCH

LUMPS THAT GET VISIBLY LARGER OVER TIME

SWOLLEN LYMPH NODES

PAIN & DISCOMFORT AROUND THE THROAT

VOICE HOARSENESS

ISSUES SWALLOWING

DIFFICULTY BREATHING

CHRONIC DRY COUGH

HURTHLE CELL CARCINOMA TREATMENTS
Thyroid Cancer Surgery
Thyroid cancer surgery requires the removal of cancerous tissue from the thyroid gland. All of the thyroid will be surgically removed during this procedure. If your Hurthle cell cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, then these nodes may also be removed.
Radioactive Iodine
Radioiodine may be used following thyroid surgery to help shrink Hurthle cell tumors. Radioactive iodine is taken orally in a capsule or liquid dosage. Once a dose is administered, the radioiodine is absorbed by cancer cells in the thyroid. The radioactive iodine then destroys these cancer cells.
External Beam Radiation Therapy
External beam therapy may be used to help control and prevent the growth of Hurthle cell tumors. During this procedure, controlled bursts of radiation are directed to the thyroid gland. This radiation destroys cancer cells while causing minimal damage to the surrounding tissues.
Thyroid Medicine
Thyroid medication is usually prescribed after thyroid removal surgery. These medicines help balance the amount of thyroid hormones present in the body. Some medications can increase the amount of thyroid hormones produced, while antithyroid medicines can limit the amount of thyroid hormones in the body.

HURTHLE CELL CARCINOMA TREATMENTS

Thyroid Cancer Surgery

Thyroid cancer surgery requires the removal of cancerous tissue from the thyroid gland. All of the thyroid will be surgically removed during this procedure. If your Hurthle cell cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, then these nodes may also be removed.

Radioactive Iodine

Radioiodine may be used following thyroid surgery to help shrink Hurthle cell tumors. Radioactive iodine is taken orally in a capsule or liquid dosage. Once a dose is administered, the radioiodine is absorbed by cancer cells in the thyroid. The radioactive iodine then destroys these cancer cells.

External Beam Radiation Therapy

External beam therapy may be used to help control and prevent the growth of Hurthle cell tumors. During this procedure, controlled bursts of radiation are directed to the thyroid gland. This radiation destroys cancer cells while causing minimal damage to the surrounding tissues.

Thyroid Medicine

Thyroid medication is usually prescribed after thyroid removal surgery. These medicines help balance the amount of thyroid hormones present in the body. Some medications can increase the amount of thyroid hormones produced, while antithyroid medicines can limit the amount of thyroid hormones in the body.

WHAT PATIENTS SAY ABOUT DR. SHIN

Dr. Shin is an exceptional physician for quite a number of reasons. His bedside mannerism is excellent as he always listens attentively and patiently to my concerns, without ever being dismissive. Let me also note that he is compassionate, caring, and sensitive – always taking the time to try and diminish my fears. Ultimately, as a patient, I always feel listened to, and equally as important, I walk away feeling confident in his diagnosis and treatment plan.

- Anna H.

Considering the challenges in our current healthcare system, it’s very easy for doctors to see their patients merely as subjects to the disease or condition, hence taking away that human side that affects the patients’ wellness. However, Dr. Shin is different. He’s not only a brilliant doctor, he is very genuine and humble. He listens and provides the highest standards of care!

- Era M.

I have been a patient of Dr. Shin for 2 1/2 years and he literally saved my life. Dr. Shin diagnosed my very rare head/neck cancer and referred me to a top oncologist in the field. He continues to treat me post-cancer for residual issues and I give Dr. Shin my strongest recommendation. Dr. Shin also has a terrific bedside manner.

- Douglas S.

I have been dealing with sinus infections for more than a decade. In recent years sinus infections had gotten more frequent and were affecting my daily life more. I switched doctors and was referred to Dr. Shin for septoplasty. I breathe much better than I have in years. Dr. Shin is a humble doctor who truly cares and listens. I would recommend him to any person in need of an ENT, especially for surgery.

- Karina M.

I have been seeing Dr. Shin for over 2 years now, during which he and his team have patiently diagnosed and treated me. Dr. Shin also performed a sinus surgery that has completely improved my quality of life. I recommend Dr. Shin and his office to all of my friends and colleagues who experience sinus troubles.

- Tina Z.

When I was pre-diagnosed with lymphoma, I was referred to see Dr. Shin for a biopsy. Knowing the metastatic nature of the disease, the staff offered an immediate appointment so I can have my cells examined as soon as possible. The biopsy was conducted by Dr. Shin himself and it was quick and painless. Dr. Shin was very good because he was gentle and knowledgeable. In addition, I was well informed of the procedure before, during, and after.

- Sarah P.

Excellent doctor, highly recommended. After the hearing test was conducted the doctor provided consultation and diagnosed the causes of the hearing loss. The office provided an interpreter who helped to translate for the patient who doesn't speak English.

- Maria D.

Dr. Shin is an excellent physician who always takes the time to listen to his patients. He addresses their concerns with his knowledge, expertise, and sensitivity...a perfect blend of an expert in his field coupled with a wonderful bedside manner. I would highly recommend Dr. Shin.

- Anonymous

Dr. Shin was polite, knowledgeable, and an effective communicator. He referred me to specialists who were excellent. Sometimes the referral process can be drawn out, but Dr. Shin and his office did everything they could to move things along in a timely fashion.

- Anonymous

He explained the situation that I had and did not rush the check up. He asks if you have any questions and will answer your questions more in depth when prompted. Overall a very friendly and patient doctor. I would definitely recommend.

- Anonymous

Hurthle Cell Carcinoma NYC

Hurthle Cell Cancer Surgery

What Is Hurthle Cell Carcinoma?

What Causes Hurthle Cell Carcinoma?

What Are The Symptoms Of Hurthle Cell Cancer?

How Is Hurthle Cell Carcinoma Detected?

Will A Biopsy Determine My Hurthle Cell Cancer?

What Are Some Common Hurthle Cell Carcinoma Treatments?

What Can I Expect Following Hurthle Cell Cancer Surgery In NYC?

WHAT PATIENTS SAY ABOUT DR. SHIN