Thyroglobulin
Pronunciation: thy-roh-GLOB-yoo-lin
Also written as: Tg — Thyroglobulin
A protein produced by thyroid follicular cells, used as a tumor marker for thyroid cancer recurrence after thyroidectomy.
Full Definition
Thyroglobulin is a large glycoprotein synthesized exclusively by thyroid follicular cells and stored in thyroid colloid. In clinical oncology, serum thyroglobulin serves as a highly sensitive tumor marker for detecting recurrent or persistent differentiated thyroid cancer following total thyroidectomy. Elevated levels in patients without normal thyroid tissue indicate the presence of thyroid cancer cells. Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies can interfere with assay accuracy.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as Tg in clinical reports; ensure proper capitalization in formal documents.
In Context
- "Postoperative thyroglobulin levels remained undetectable, indicating successful complete resection." — Surgical pathology report
- "Rising thyroglobulin concentrations prompted additional imaging to locate recurrent disease." — Follow-up care plan