RADIATION INDUCED HYPOTHYROIDISM AN UNDERESTIMATED ENTITY-OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

This observational study highlights the specific symptoms as well as the aetiology related to radiation induced hypothyroidism after radiotherapy thereby it facilitates the prevention of radiation induced hypothyroidism and reduce its incidence. Hypothyroidism is a known complication after radiotherapy of regional cancers and radio iodine ablation of thyroid gland. Where the higher the radiation dose is proportional to the incidence of hypothyroidism. The incidence of hypothyroidism gradually increases with time so regular follow up is required. Intensity modulated radiotherapy should limit the dose to the thyroid, which would reduce the incidence of hypothyroidism. The incidence of radiation induced hypothyroidism in head and neck cancer is also related to the radiation dose, radiotherapy technique, thyroid volume, female sex, and age. As the incidence of cancers are increasing we need larger and long term follow up studies for better understanding of radiation induced hypothyroidism thereby timely action.