Thyroid dysfunction after radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer

Abstract

Thyroid dysfunction, referred as hypothyroidism, is one of the sequelaes in head and neck cancer patients treated by radiotherapy. The mechanisms of hypothyroidism induced by radiotherapy include direct damage of the thyroid and/or pituitary cells, involved blood vessels damage, as well as autoimmune response. Factors related to postirradiation thyroid dysfunction are diverse, including radiation dose, technique, whether or not in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy. In addition, age, sex and race may also contrib-ute as impact factors. Further investigation of these factors can provide for prevention and treatment of hypothyroidism, and improve patients life quality. Key words: Radiotherapy ; Head and neck neoplasms ; Hypothyroidism ;