Effect of Radiotherapy on Thyroid and Parathyroid Gland Functions
Journal Title: Scholars Journal of Applied Medical Sciences - Year 2017, Vol 5, Issue 4
Abstract
Abstract: Radiotherapy is one of the most important modalities of treatment in cancer of the head and neck region. Collateral damage to surrounding tissues and vital organs is inevitable in radiotherapy. The thyroid and parathyroid gland come within the field of radiation in case of radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. This study aims to evaluate the effect of radiotherapy on the function of thyroid and parathyroid gland.The objective was to study the effect of radiotherapy on thyroid and parathyroid gland functions in head and neck cancer patients.We conducted a one year prospective study taking diagnosed cases of head and neck cancer with radiotherapy as the primary modality of treatment. The evaluation of PTH, thyroid function test and calcium was done prior to the start, immediately after completion and 6 months after completion of radiotherapy. The results were compared thereafter.The study included 25 patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer with radiotherapy as the primary treatment. 76 percent (n=19) were male and rest were female (n=6). Mean age group of the patients was 58.6 years. On evaluating the results obtained, it was noted that there was significant lowering to serum PTH value (p<0.05) but no significant difference was noted in the values of calcium and thyroid function tests (p>0.05).The effect of radiotherapy on the vital organs is a well discussed topic. Even then its effect on the thyroid and parathyroid is understudied. Serum Calcium is likely to remain unaffected as it is regulated by the homeostatic mechanisms by other hormones. Variable response of thyroid hormones during the early phase is well documented. Very little has been studied about the effect of radiotherapy on parathyroid hormone.Our study showed significant effect of radiation on the parathyroid gland functions but not as much on the thyroid functions and calcium levels. Parathyroid hormone levels were found to be decreased after the completion of radiotherapy and further decreased on follow up. The effect on these organs is likely due to the hampering of their blood supply due to damage to the vascularity. To conclude, the collateral effect of radiation is an important factor in the prognosis of the patient. They should be monitored on a regular basis. However, larger studies and longer follow ups to definitively know about the long term effects of radiation on the thyroid and parathyroid glands. Keywords:radiotherapy, Collateral damage, neck cancer
Authors and Affiliations
Avinash S, Gupta R, Mohindroo NK, Thakur JS, Azad R
Keywords
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