Oncocyte
# Oncocyte

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 metaplasia (breast gland only).
* Oncocytic cell

## Etymology

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

