The meaning and predictivity of Hürthle cells in fine needle aspiration cytology for thyroid nodular disease.
OBJECTIVE
The significance of Hürthle cells in thyroid nodule fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) samples remains uncertain. This study aims to clarify the meaning and the predictivity of this kind of cells.


METHODS
One hundred and ten patients with Hürthle cells in FNAC of thyroid nodules were reviewed. Histopathology was correlated with cytological findings.


RESULTS
The density of Hürthle cells in FNACs ranged from 20 to 100%. Eighty-nine patients had benign nodular disease (Hürthle cell or follicular adenoma), and 21 patients had malignant tumours. The presence of more than 50% Hürthle cells in FNAC correlated with benign or malignant Hürthle cell neoplasm. Hürthle cell carcinomas displayed more than 90% Hürthle cells in FNAC.


CONCLUSIONS
Surgery is indicated for all nodular lesions with more than 50% Hürthle cells in FNAC.
Centre Jean Perrin, 58 rue Montalembert, B.P. 392, 63011 Clermont-Ferrand 1, France. philippe.kauffmann@cjp.fr
P R
PR
Kauffmann
C
C
Dejax
M
M
de Latour
J
J
Dauplat
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D024862:Oxyphil Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012372:ROC Curve; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D016606:Thyroid Nodule / Q000473:pathology*