Overview and Clinical Significance
Thyroglobulin (Tg) is a thyroid-specific glycoprotein involved in thyroid hormone synthesis. It serves as a tumor marker for differentiated thyroid cancers, particularly papillary and follicular thyroid carcinomas.
Clinical Significance
- Thyroid Cancer Monitoring & Recurrence Detection: Tg levels are used to track residual thyroid tissue after thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine therapy.
- Autoantibody Interference & Diagnostic Challenges: Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) can interfere with Tg measurements, requiring alternative testing methods.
- Thyroid Function & Non-Cancerous Conditions: Tg levels may be elevated in Graves’ disease, thyroiditis, and goiter, necessitating careful interpretation.
- Prognostic Value & Treatment Response: A decline in Tg levels post-treatment suggests successful therapy, while an increase may indicate tumor recurrence.
Thyroglobulin is a key biomarker for thyroid cancer management, influencing diagnostic accuracy, treatment monitoring, and prognostic evaluations.