Publication:

Hypothyroidism in surgically treated T4 hypopharyngeal and laryngeal cancers

Background Total laryngectomy in laryngohypopharyngeal cancers, both in primary setting and salvage scenario, include variable amounts of thyroid resection. Although considerable proportion of these cases undergo total thyroidectomy, with an intention of wider surgical clearance, histopathological examination for thyroid infiltration, very often indicate that such resections are generally out of proportion to the actual oncological requirement.

Methods Forty three patients undergoing total laryngectomy with no prior thyroid dysfunction, from April 2014 to 2016, at our centre, were prospectively studied for post treatment, thyroid function with tests done at 6th month. Overt and occult hypothyroidism was correlated with extent of thyroid preserved intraoperatively.

Results Of 43 patients studied, 82% had extralaryngeal spread, and 16% of them showed thyroid gland infiltration. Only 7% were patholog1ically correlated for gland infiltration. Among those who had hemithyroidectomy, clinical hypothyroidism was seen in 20% primary and 85% salvage cases by 6th month of post treatment period.

Conclusions In clinicoradiologically favourable scenarios, thyroid preservation attempt helps to augment the neopharynx closure line and to preserve the parathyroids. Anatomical preservation however doesnot guarantee thyroid function, which needs regular follow up to avoid post-operative complications and better QOL.