Open AccessPrevalence of thyroid malignancy and hormonal dysfunction following radiation exposure in childhood
Author(s) -
Yee Sian Tiong,
Edwin Yuen Hao Tong,
Chia Ching Lee,
Rajeev Parameswaran,
Timothy Cheo,
Wei Li Cindy Ho,
Samantha Peiling Yang
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
annals, academy of medicine, singapore/annals of the academy of medicine, singapore
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.299
H-Index - 60
ISSN - 0304-4602
DOI - 10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.2020378
Subject(s) - medicine , malignancy , radiation therapy , thyroid , thyroid nodules , subclinical infection , nodule (geology) , thyroid cancer , radiology , retrospective cohort study , thyroid function tests , paleontology , biology
: Childhood radiation exposure is a known risk factor for thyroid malignancy anddysfunction. However, local data are limited and there is no consensus on the modality and frequency ofscreening in this high-risk group.Methods: Retrospective analysis study evaluating patients with childhood radiation exposure in2006–2016 and minimum of 1-year follow-up.Results: Of the 132 childhood cancer survivors in the study, thyroid malignancy was detected in 2 cases(1.5%) and thyroid nodules in 13 (9.8%). The earliest thyroid malignancy was detected 5 yearspost-radiotherapy via ultrasound. Of the 84 patients who had screening thyroid function test, 26 (31.0%)were detected with abnormal test results post-radiation, majority being subclinical hypothyroidism.Conclusion: Regular screening via clinical examination for thyroid nodules should be performed at leastannually. Where feasible and if resources permit, consideration should be given to using ultrasound forthyroid nodule(s) and malignancy screening at 5 years post-radiation therapy. Screening for thyroiddysfunction can be considered from 6–12 months post-radiotherapy.Keywords: Childhood post-radiotherapy complications, post-radiotherapy secondary malignancies,thyroid cancer, thyroid dysfunction, thyroid nodules