Hürthle cell neoplasms of the thyroid.

The approach to Hürthle cell neoplasms of the thyroid gland remains controversial because there is no consensus on the criteria used to establish malignancy. Invasion into the thyroid capsule, blood vessels, and contiguous structures in the neck and lymph nodes, or distant metastases establishes malignancy. Benign Hürthle cell lesions should be treated with total lobectomy and isthmusectomy. Total thyroidectomy is the recommended treatment for malignant Hürthle cell lesions.