Professional
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
Thyroglobulin
Pronunciation: thy-ro-GLOB-u-lin
A protein produced by thyroid cells, used as a tumor marker in thyroid cancer follow-up.
Full Definition
Thyroglobulin is a glycoprotein produced exclusively by thyroid follicular cells that serves as the precursor for thyroid hormone synthesis. After total thyroidectomy for cancer, thyroglobulin becomes an important tumor marker for detecting cancer recurrence or residual thyroid tissue. Thyroglobulin antibodies can interfere with measurements, making this a complex test requiring careful interpretation. Levels are typically suppressed with thyroid hormone therapy or elevated by TSH stimulation.
Usage
Usage note: Always check for interfering antibodies; note TSH suppression status.
In Context
- "Undetectable thyroglobulin with negative antibodies indicates successful cancer treatment." — Thyroid cancer follow-up
- "Thyroglobulin antibodies must be checked simultaneously to validate results." — Laboratory interpretation
Also known as
Tg
Don't confuse with
Thyroglobulin Antibodies
Thyroid Peroxidase
Calcitonin