Oncocyte Explained

An oncocyte is an epithelial cell characterized by an excessive number of mitochondria, resulting in an abundant acidophilic, granular cytoplasm. Oncocytes can be benign or malignant.

Other names

Also known as:

• Hürthle cell (thyroid gland only)
• Oxyphilic cell
• Askanazy cell
• Apocrine-type metaplasia (breast gland only).
• Oncocytic cell

Etymology

Derived from the Greek root onco-, which means mass, bulk.

See also

• Hurthle cell carcinoma, a variant of follicular thyroid carcinoma.
• Oncocytoma, a tumour composed of oncocytes, may be found as a less common salivary gland neoplasm also known as oxyphilic adenoma.
• Renal oncocytoma, a kidney tumour composed of oncocytes.

External links

• Wordinfo - words containing onco-, onocho-, -onchus