Tumorous Marker Thyreoglobulin

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.

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Related

Thyroid Function

  • Common Thyroxine (T4), Free Thyroxine (FT4), Free Triiodothyronine (FT3):
    These markers measure the overall thyroid hormone production and the bioavailable (active) fractions. While Common T4 reflects total hormone levels (both bound and free), FT4 and FT3 specifically indicate the unbound, active hormones that drive metabolic processes.

  • Thyrotropic Hormone (TSH):
    This pituitary hormone regulates thyroid hormone synthesis through a negative feedback mechanism. Elevated or suppressed TSH levels provide insight into thyroid function and help direct further evaluation of thyroid disorders.

  • Thyroxine Binding Globulin (TBG):
    TBG is the main protein binding thyroid hormones in the blood. It influences the proportion of hormone that remains free versus bound, affecting the interpretation of Common T4 compared to FT4 and FT3 levels.

  • thyreoglobulin;calcitonin; tumerous marker thyreoglobulin:
    These markers focus on thyroid tissue activity and neoplastic surveillance.


    • thyreoglobulin reflects the functional activity of thyroid follicular cells.
    • When used as a tumour marker (tumerous marker thyreoglobulin), it helps monitor for residual or recurrent differentiated thyroid cancer following treatment.
    • calcitonin, secreted by the thyroid’s C cells, is particularly valuable in detecting medullary thyroid carcinoma.

Together, these markers offer a comprehensive view of thyroid gland function, regulation, and tissue integrity, integrating hormonal activity with diagnostic tools for thyroid cancer surveillance.

All Markers