Introduction:

Hürtle cells were described by Max Askanazy in 1898, although their inappropriate name has remained in the lexicon. They can be seen in a wide variety of thyroid lesions, from non-neoplastic to frankly malignant conditions.

Clinical case:

A 62-year-old female, asthmatic and controlled hypertensive, allergic to iodine and penicillin, who started the current disease 1 year before presenting volume increase in the anterior region of the neck. Thyroid ultrasound reported an enlarged gland, with a 4-cm complex right thyroid nodule; and left thyroid nodule, 2 cm complex, TI-RADS 4C. Computed tomography reported a 6 cm space-occupying lesion of the right thyroid lobe and 3 and 2 cm left thyroid nodules. Thyroid tests without alterations. Total thyroidectomy was performed. Histopatological diagnosis: Hürtle cell adenoma.

Conclusion:

Currently, the correct term is oncocytic cell neoplasm, either for adenoma or for carcinoma. This type of tumors occurs more frequently in middle-aged women and with a considerable size at the time of diagnosis. It is necessary to establish a protocol of action before the presumptive diagnosis by means of fine needle aspiration procedure, due to the difficulty to differentiate between benign and malignant pathology, with the purpose of guaranteeing an adequate therapeutic conduct.