The prevalence of hypothyroidism after treatment for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinomas: are autoantibodies of influence?

Conclusions: The incidence rate of hypothyroidism after treatment for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer is high, especially after combination treatment. An association between hypothyroidism and autoantibodies was found.

Objectives: The incidences of hypothyroidism and autoantibodies were assessed retrospectively in 156 patients with laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma who were treated with surgery and/or radiotherapy between 1977 and 2002.