Thyroid Blood Tests (cont.)
Are there other tests of the thyroid gland?
The blood tests mentioned above can confirm the presence of deficiency or an excess of
thyroid hormone and, therefore, be used to diagnose hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. They
do not point to a specific cause. In order to determine a cause of the thyroid abnormality,
the doctor will consider the patient's history, physical examination, and medical condition.
Further testing might be used to isolate an underlying cause. These tests might include more
blood testing for thyroid antibodies, nuclear medicine thyroid scanning, ultrasound of the
thyroid gland, or others.
If thyroid cancer is suspected and surgery may be required, your physician
may ask for a blood test known as thyroglobulin. Thyroglobulin is a protein made
only by thyroid cells. If the thyroglobulin level at baseline is detectable or
elevated (this means the gland does in fact make the protein) it can be used as
a tumor marker. After a total thyroidectomy for cancer (removal of the entire
thyroid gland) the level should fall to an undetectable range since the cells
that make thyroglobulin have been removed. If the level remains detectable after
surgery, there is a possibility of thyroid tissue elsewhere in the body, and
metastatic disease should be considered. If the level is undetectable for a
period of time after surgery and then starts to climb, a recurrence of the
cancer - either at the primary site or elsewhere in the body should be
considered.
Last Editorial Review: 2/3/2009
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