Thyroid function post supraclavicular lymph node irradiation in patients with breast cancer

INTRODUCTION: In East Africa, the estimated incidence of breast cancer is second only to cervical cancer. Supraclavicular irradiation post-modified mastectomy crucial management, as it improves local control and overall survival. However, this associated with adverse effects, including hypothyroidism (HT), which usually under-reported. This study aim was evaluate radiation-induced thyroid gland functional changes following treatment supraclavicular lymph nodes in patients.METHODS: a prospective descriptive patients from May 1, 2017, 30, 2018. Pre post-treatment TSH, fT4, fT3 values were compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank test.RESULTS: A total 42 recruited for study, mean age 55.7 years (32-71). The baseline TSH level 2.90 (±6.37), normal range 0.27-4.2 uIU/mL. T4 T3 15.77 (±4.83), ranges 10.16-22 pmol/l T4, 3.46 (±6.22), 1.06-3.3 nmol/l T3. test indicated that there statistically significant increase levels over when measured at three, six-, nine-months post-treatment, p-values 0.0047, 0.0002, <0.0001, respectively. total, four (10%) had function tests outside ranges. Zero developed clinical HT during time period studied.CONCLUSION: As hypothesized, radiation led subclinical HT, but remains unknown.