Grave's disease induced by radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A case report and review of the literature

Ma,Jin‑An; Li,Xuezhen; Zou,Wen; Zhou,Yan

doi:10.3892/ol.2013.1332

July 2013 Volume 6 Issue 1

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July 2013 Volume 6 Issue 1

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Case Report

Grave's disease induced by radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A case report and review of the literature

Authors:
- Jin‑An Ma
- Xuezhen Li
- Wen Zou
- Yan Zhou
View Affiliations / Copyright

Affiliations: Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
Pages: 144-146
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Published online on: May 8, 2013

https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2013.1332
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Abstract

Radiotherapy is an effective treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). A number of thyroid dysfunctions are induced by damage resulting from the relatively high doses of radiation administered to the thyroid and pituitary gland during radiotherapy. Hypothyroidism constitutes the most frequent type of thyroid dysfunction induced by NPC radiotherapy, while hyperthyroidism, particularly Grave's disease, is extremely rare. The present study describes the case of a 40‑year‑old male who presented with Grave's disease 2 years after receiving radiotherapy for the treatment of NPC. The patient exhibited swelling of the eyes, an increased appetite, decreased levels of thyroid‑stimulating hormone, increased levels of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) demonstrated by the examination of thyroid function and enlargement of the bilateral intraocular rectus revealed by CT scan. The patient's symptoms were ameliorated following treatment with propylthiouracil and propranolol for 1 month, and the levels of T3 and T4 were restored to normal. The pathophysiological mechanism of radiotherapy‑induced hyperthyroidism has yet to be elucidated. Hyperthyroidism is often neglected as several of its clinical manifestations are similar to other complications observed during and following cancer treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor thyroid function following head and neck radiotherapy.

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Journals

International Journal of Molecular Medicine

International Journal of Oncology

Molecular Medicine Reports

Oncology Reports

Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine

Oncology Letters

Biomedical Reports

Molecular and Clinical Oncology

World Academy of Sciences Journal

International Journal of Functional Nutrition

International Journal of Epigenetics

Medicine International

Grave's disease induced by radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A case report and review of the literature

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