Marker after thyroidectomy
In non-operated patients, TG is not a tumor marker (it grows with any gland disease) and is useless for screening. After thyroidectomy with radioiodine - indispensable: monitoring every 6-12 months together with AT-TG and ultrasound of the neck catches a relapse at a curable stage. Take it in the same laboratory to make the curve comparable.
When is it appointed?
- fatigue, weight gain/loss, palpitations, hair loss - TSH screening;
- thyroid nodules - hormones + calcitonin;
- control of therapy with L-thyroxine and thyreostatics;
- pregnancy planning and pregnancy - mandatory TSH;
- autoimmune thyroiditis - antibodies.
Logic of thyroid tests
TSH is the main regulator and the most sensitive screening: the pituitary gland responds to the slightest changes in gland hormones. Free T4 and T3 clarify the severity of hypo-/hyperthyroidism, antibodies (AT-TPO, AT-TG) find an autoimmune cause, antibodies to TSH receptors confirm Graves' disease, calcitonin protects against medullary cancer in the nodes. Always start with TSH - the rest is according to indications, without unnecessary expenses.
