Afraid of Liver Cancer? Afraid more if you have History of Hypothyroidism

Among the thyroid disorders, hypothyroidism is the most common disorder among adults in the United States. Approximately eight to twelve percent of the population in the United States is affected by hypothyroidism with more women than men. Additionally, hypothyroidism can also cause the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis which can lead to a severe liver disease.

Hypothyroidism is a condition wherein the thyroid gland is hypoactive and do not secrete adequate hormones needed by the body to function properly. The thyroid gland is unable to produce enough thyroid hormone which is needed by the body. Normally, the thyroid gland releases numerous hormones that control metabolism and other functions. When the thyroid gland is underactive, it may produce a little or will not produce any hormones to maintain the normal functioning of the metabolism. Because metabolism is slowed down, the person with hypothyroidism may appear fat; thus, causing weight gain among people who have hypothyroidism.

Aside from causing weight gain, hypothyroidism can also cause hyperlipidemia.  There are also other studies which links hypothyroidism with hepatitis C which is one of the causes of liver cancer.

Researchers from the University of Texas have conducted a study in order to find answers to the connection between hypothyroidism and liver cancer. Liver cancer is also termed as hepatocellular carcinoma in United States.

The study included 420 subjects with liver cancer. The researchers gathered data that are associated to liver cancer such as smoking, family history of cancer, and alcohol consumption. Aside from these risk factors, the subjects are also asked if they have a history of having thyroid conditions such as hypothyroidism.

Based from the data gathered, females who have a history of hypothyroidism had twice the risk of developing liver cancer than women who do not have any history of thyroid disorders. However, despite these findings, researchers are still unable to explain why these different conditions are associated to one another.  But they are looking into another angle wherein hypothyroidism which causes the nonalcoholic steatohepatitis can be brought about by hyperlipidemia. With the presence of hyperlipidemia, the oxidation of fatty acids is decreased. Insulin resistance also occurs as well as lipid peroxidation happens in patients with hypothyroidism.

Because the results are not enough to conclude that hypothyroidism and liver cancer in women are associated, further studies are recommended in order to confirm the results in this study. It will also be best if these studies can prove that genetics also plays an important role in the development of liver cancer in women who have hypothyroidism.