PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF THYROID DYSFUNCTION IN POST RADIOTHERAPY PATIENTS WITH HEAD AND NECK CANCERS

Volume : VIII, Issue : VI, June - 2018

Dr. Kulkarni Manik Rao, Dr Meena. L, Dr Tintu Thampy Abraham

Introduction: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma ranks 6thamong all malignancies worldwide , highest noted

among Indian males. At the time of diagnosis, majority of head and neck tumors are locoregionally advanced where

radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy is the major treatment modality.

Hypothyroidism is one of the late side effects in patients exposed to therapeutic doses of RT to the neck. The effect may be clinical or sub clinical

hypothyroidism. Sub clinical hypothyroidism evolves to clinical hypothyroidism at the rate of about 5 to 20% per year.

Thus,as Radiation Induced Hypothyroidism will markedly influence the quality of life , hence emphasizing the need for thyroid function test

during the follow up .

Aim of the study : To determine the magnitude of hypothyroidism following RT to the neck,

To assess the mean time period for the development of hypothyroidism following RT to the neck.

The need for routine performing of TFT during follow–up period .

Materials and methods : This is a prospective study of 50 patients of histopathologically proven head and neck cancer , receiving radiotherapy

in our hospital from December 2016–July 2017.Thyroid function test were done at baseline and at 3 wks, 3 months and 6 months following

radiotherapy.

Results: Eight (16%) out of 50 patients were found to have hypothyroidism which was strongly significant with the p value of 0.022.

Conclusion : Hypothyroidism can occur as early as 6 months following RT.

Patients receiving both lateral and central neck radiation are more prone for Hypothyroidism.

Thyroid function tests should be made routine prior RT and during follow up period as early as 6 months and carried out lifelong.