Thyroglobulin - Cancer Marker
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Serves as a precursor for thyroid hormone synthesis and is released into the bloodstream
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🧪 What is Thyroglobulin?
Thyroglobulin (Tg) is a protein produced exclusively by the thyroid gland. It serves as a precursor for thyroid hormone synthesis and is released into the bloodstream.
❓ Why is Thyroglobulin Tested as a Cancer Marker?
To:
- Monitor patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (especially papillary and follicular types) after thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine therapy
- Detect residual, recurrent, or metastatic thyroid cancer
- Assess effectiveness of treatment and guide further management
📊 Normal Range
Serum Thyroglobulin Level | Reference Range |
|---|---|
Varies by assay; typically < 55 ng/mL (some labs use ng/mL or µg/L) |
After total thyroidectomy and ablation, Tg levels should be very low or undetectable.
📈 Interpretation of Results
Result | Clinical Implication |
|---|---|
Undetectable or very low Tg | Indicates no residual or recurrent thyroid tissue or cancer |
Elevated or rising Tg | Suggests residual, recurrent, or metastatic thyroid cancer |
Interference by anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) | May cause falsely low or high Tg levels; antibody testing recommended |
🧠 Associated Conditions
Condition | Details |
|---|---|
Differentiated thyroid cancer | Papillary and follicular thyroid carcinoma monitoring |
Benign thyroid diseases | Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease may increase Tg |
Thyroid surgery or trauma | Can transiently elevate Tg levels |
🔄 Related / Follow-Up Tests
- Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) – to detect interference in Tg measurement
- Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) – to guide therapy
- Neck ultrasound – detect residual or recurrent disease
- Radioactive iodine whole body scan – detect metastatic disease
✅ Fasting Required?
Test | Fasting Required |
|---|---|
Thyroglobulin | ❌ No |
📝 Summary Table
Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
What | Thyroglobulin protein measured as marker for thyroid cancer |
Why | Monitor residual/recurrent differentiated thyroid cancer |
Normal Range | Usually < 55 ng/mL; undetectable after thyroid ablation |
Elevated Levels | Residual or metastatic thyroid cancer |
Interferences | Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies may affect accuracy |
Associated Conditions | Thyroid cancer, benign thyroid disease |
Follow-up Tests | Tg antibodies, TSH, ultrasound, radioactive iodine scan |
Fasting Required | ❌ No |
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