Thyroglobulin[edit | edit source]

Molecular structure of thyroglobulin.

Thyroglobulin[edit | edit source]

Thyroglobulin (pronounced THY-roh-GLAH-byoo-lin) is a protein crucial for the storage and synthesis of thyroid hormones within the thyroid gland cells.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Thyroglobulin serves as a precursor to thyroid hormones and is essential for their storage in the thyroid gland. It plays a pivotal role in thyroid hormone production and regulation.

Function[edit | edit source]

The primary function of thyroglobulin is to:

Act as a matrix for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, T3 and T4
Store thyroid hormones within the thyroid gland cells

Thyroglobulin in Medical Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Thyroidectomy and Thyroglobulin Testing[edit | edit source]

Following the removal of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy), the presence of thyroglobulin in the blood can indicate residual or recurrent thyroid tissue, including thyroid cancer cells.

Thyroid Cancer Monitoring[edit | edit source]

Thyroglobulin levels are routinely measured in patients treated for thyroid cancer. Persistently high or rising levels may suggest the presence of remaining cancer cells.

Blood Testing for Thyroglobulin[edit | edit source]

Blood tests measuring thyroglobulin levels are used to:

Monitor treatment effectiveness in thyroid cancer patients
Detect residual thyroid tissue or recurrent thyroid disease

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Understanding and monitoring thyroglobulin levels are critical in the management of thyroid conditions, especially in the post-treatment surveillance of thyroid cancer.

Thyroglobulin Resources
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