Metabolic Hurthle Cell Adenoma Syndrome
Metabolic hurthle cell adenoma (MHCA) syndrome is an unusual and uncommon medical condition.. Hurthle cells are located in the thyroid and are sometimes referred to as oncocytic cells. An adenoma is a benign tumor in which the cells form a glandular structure. In the case of MHCA syndrome, the cells grow to build on to the existing thyroid structure.
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About
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MHCA syndrome affects only about 3 to 10 percent of thyroid tumors, according to Dr. Serhat Aytug of eMedicine. The hurthle cells of the thyroid begin to grow abnormally to form a tumor. Another name for MHCA syndrome is Hashimoto thryoiditis or toxic thyroiditis. Onocytic cells are also known as hurthle cells. Adenoma grows are often benign, but in some cases may be malignant and potentially travel to other parts of the body.
Facts
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MHCA syndrome is often on both sides of the thyroid (bilateral) and present in multiple places in the thyroid. According to Dr. Aytug of eMedicine, a diagnosis of MHCA may not necessarily mean that the growth is malignant, since the majority of these types of growths are benign. Often, the tumor can be felt by hand. Metabolic MHCA affects only about 2.3 percent of women and 0.74 percent of men.
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Causes
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According to Dr. Aytug, there are several factors that contribute to MHCA. These include a history of radiation therapy for other illnesses and iodine deficiency. Another significant factor is the activation of genes that may contribute to uncontrolled or abnormal growth of cells in the thyroid gland.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of MHCA include a physical discernible mass in the throat. Common symptoms include husky or raspy voice, coughing, swollen lymph nodes, redness around the throat, a feeling of construction or blockage in the throat--particularly upon swallowing--and occasionally facial swelling.
Treatment
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The most common treatments for MHCA include surgical treatment to remove the tumor and thyroid, external radiation and chemotherapy. After surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, supplemental thyroid treatment is often necessary for the rest of the patient's life. Supplemental thyroid medication is not administered until after the medication intervention is completed. Common thyroid supplement medications can include Synthroid and Levoxyl.
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