A prospective longitudinal study on endocrine dysfunction following treatment of laryngeal or hypopharyngeal carcinoma

Objectives: The incidences of hypo(para)thyroidism were assessed prospectively in 137 consecutive patients with laryngeal (84.7%) or hypopharyngeal (15.3%) carcinoma who were treated with surgery and/or radiotherapy between 2004 and 2006.

Material and methods: Laboratory studies were performed in patients before primary or salvage treatment of a laryngeal or hypopharyngeal carcinoma and were repeated 6, 12, 18 and 24months after treatment. All patients were evaluated for the development of hypo(para)thyroidism, and the presence of autoantibodies. The association of hypothyroidism was analyzed against several patient parameters including tumor and treatment characteristics.

Results: The incidence of hypothyroidism following treatment of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma was 47.4%: 27.7% subclinical hypothyroidism and 19.7% clinical hypothyroidism. The median time to develop hypothyroidism was 10months. The incidence of hypoparathyroidism was 7.3%. Univariate analysis showed that patients with laryngectomy, hemithyroidectomy, neck dissection, paratracheal lymph node dissection and radiotherapy had a higher risk of developing hypothyroidism. Multivariate analysis showed laryngectomy, hemithyroidectomy, neck dissection and age to be predictive factors for the development of hypothyroidism. The combination of surgery and radiotherapy increased this risk. Hemithyroidectomy was the most important risk factor.

Conclusion: The incidence rate of hypothyroidism after treatment for laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer in this largest prospective study is high (47.4%), especially after combination treatment. Based on the intervals between treatment and the development of hypothyroidism, thyroid testing before treatment, every 3months during the first year, every 6months the second year and annually thereafter is recommended as screening procedure.