Description
Purpose of the Test:
• Monitor thyroid cancer: Particularly after treatment (e.g., thyroidectomy or radioactive iodine) to detect the return of cancer
• Detect residual thyroid tissue: After a thyroidectomy, to check for remaining thyroid tissue
• Assess thyroid function in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (papillary or follicular)
• Evaluate response to thyroid cancer treatment and long-term follow-up
What the Test Involves:
• A blood sample is drawn, typically from a vein in the arm
• The test measures the amount of thyroglobulin in the bloodstream
• Elevated levels can indicate the presence of thyroid cancer cells or residual thyroid tissue
• The test is usually performed after a patient has undergone thyroid removal, and is sometimes combined with imaging or TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) stimulation to improve accuracy
