In a group of 82 women with breast cancer selected at random 10 had treatment on account of thyroid disease. In 43 women the authors found a positive titre of antibodies against thyroid antigens, indicating autoimmune affection of thyroid tissue. Although none of the patients reported thyroid complaints a total of 11 women of the group (13.4%) had TSH values in the pathological range. Based on slightly elevated TSH levels and/or a positive TRH test the authors diagnosed 11 new cases of subclinical hypothyroidism and in two women subclinical thyrotoxicosis. They did not prove a relationship between thyroid disorder and chemotherapy or hormonal treatment. From the small number of 10 women treated by external radiation thyroid pathology was proved in 3. The finding that 25.6% women with breast cancer had beyond doubt a thyroid disorder, though subclinical, and another 26.8% are candidates of thyroid disease with a positive antibodies supports the hypothesis of a relationship of certain types of thyroid disease and (some types) of breast cancer. The influence of functional thyroid disease on the prognosis of breast cancer, in particular with regard to the autoimmune character of the diagnosed thyropathies will call for further detailed investigations.

Keywords: Adult; Aged; Breast Neoplasms /complications/; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Thyroid Diseases /complications/