Hurthle cell pathology report

[ElsaGW]

Hi:  My pathology report after a Total Thyroidectomy states:  "Hurthle Cell Carcinoma. Extensive vascular extension present. No Extragland Extension."  There were no limph nodes removed.  The only "good" thing I read here is, the "no extragland extension" part.  Am I right? Does it mean that there is no cancer outside the glad? but, what about the vascular extension part? Does this mean it has extended within the gland?   I am not in the US and information from doctors does not come easy. How bad is all of this? I guess I should mention the nodule was 3cm.  The TNM is T1 Nx Mx.  I am scheduled for a Iodine scan, but, I am confused, because I keep on reading the Hurthle Cells do not uptake iodine.  So, I wonder, what info will the scan provide? Any info good or bad would be so greatly appreciated.

[ElsaGW]

Thank you so much for answering.  The entire gland was removed. Would you know what "no extragland extension present means".  My confusion is, that I don't know if the "vascular extension" means that there is vascular extension  within the gland or out of the gland?,  since, it also says " no extragland extension present".  It almost seems that one contradicts the other. I have  difficulty trying to find who treats this kind of cancer.  The surgeon almost just said "bye, bye" my part it done! The oncologyst said he knew nothing about this kind of cancer.  Finally I found a radiologyst that put me on Cytomel for only 10 days, ( I had been without any hormonal support for a month and feeling really lousy) and then on a low iodine diet for 21 days and after that I will have the scan.  Today I found an Endo that will see me a month from now, after the scan!  Needless, to say, I am confused and have not been able to find too much possitive on this situation.  Sorry, to burden you with all my woes.  I am in Puerto Rico and although there are lots of doctors here, it is very difficult to get appointments and the waiting time in offices are hours and hours.  Doctors do not answer questions on the phone or get back to you, and some don't even have answering services, including the surgeon who operated on me.  If one feels bad or have a concern you must make an appointment,(which will take days) or go to an emergency room, and wait forever.   I thank you again for your response and advice.

[redheadaussie]

Hi there, Having a diagnosis of Hurthle Cell Carcinoma is not a pleasant thing. It would appear that yours is on its way to becoming more of a concern. The fact they are doing an iodine uptake is to see if there is any other spread. Often there will be follicular changes in the cells with the Hurthle Cells taking over.
  Hurthle cells do not take the radioactive iodine well.Nor do they respond to radiation therapy. It is usually a different approach doctors will use in treating it.
If it is pretty much within the thyroid then removing it is the best option.
I know you say the doctors are not forthcoming with much information, but I urge you to be assertive and tell them you WANT to know what is happening. Often they will wait till all the results are in before trying to scare you with any answers, but I feel, that knowing your options will give you clarity and understanding in how to deal with your diagnosis.
  I do hope things go well for you.
Cheers

[Smilerdeb]

bumping this up for others to answer......