Abnormal Hormonal Secretions Post Radiotherapy for Nasopharyngeal Cancer*
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the incidence of abnormal hormone level in the nasopharyngeal cancer patient who received radiotherapy.
Materials and Methods: We have studied the incidence of abnormal function of adrenal and thyroid gland in patients with nasopharyngeal cancer who received radiotherapy at Division of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University. There were 60 patients, 36 male, 24 female. All patients were examined clinically and laboratory for signs of abnormal thyroid function. All patients had blood tests to determine the free hormone from thyroid and pituitary glands (TSH, FT3, FT4) and adrenal glands by using insulin tolerance test then reconfirm by using pituitary hormone injection intravenously to check the function of adrenal gland (ACTH Stimulation test).
Results: The result revealed abnormal function of adrenal glands 13.3%, abnormal thyroid function 65% in which 38.3% come from abnormality of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus (central hypothyroid) and primary hypothyroidism in 18.3%. Subclinical hyperthyroid was found in 8.3%. But we were not able to differentiate signs and symptoms of the patients with adrenal insufficiency and hypothyroidism from patients who have normal level of hormone.
Conclusion: This study found high incidence of abnormal hormone level in the nasopharyngeal cancer patient who received radiotherapy.
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