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Recurrent Thyroid Cancer?

Hello.  I was diagnosed with diffuse sclerosing variant of papillary carcinoma in March of 2007.  I had a thyroidectomy in April of 2007 followed by RAI ablation.  My most recent RAI scan done in Jan of 2008 was clear and my doctor told me that my blood levels were normal except for the thyroglubulin antibodies.  My body is producing these with no visual evidence of residual or recurrent cancer.  What does this mean?  I also want a new endocrinologist who can explain things to me and answers my questions in "english".  I live in Colorado Springs, CO and have United Health Care.
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438784 tn?1211201312
hi shellsa. i had a total thyroidectomy 15 years ago for papillary cancer and last december had the whole body scan done, they found cells in my thyroid bed and have decided to send me for RAI therapy, so yes, even after 15 years its not gone ''away''.anyone know how long i will be witing for the RAI treatment?
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97953 tn?1440865392
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
About 25% of thyroid cancer patients have Tg-antibodies.  These will persist for several years even after eradicating the cancer (average in one study was three years).  Tracking the level of antibodies can be useful (a decline over time is good), but not as useful as being able to measure Tg directly (which is not accurate w/ Tg-antibodies).

Check out thyroidologists.com or aace.com or thyroid.org to find a thyroid specialist.
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Avatar universal
Thanks for your reply.  I had one rai treatment last summer and had to go hypo again this Jan for a rai scan.  although the scan came back clear, I am still producing antibodies to thyroglobulin with no thyroglubulin abnormality.  I am hoping to find an answer to the question, "does this mean that the chances of recurrent cancer are greater?"
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301640 tn?1302652334
hi michelle here i was just  diagnosed with follucar variant papilary carcinoma in january my tumour was 16mm way more bigger than utahmommas my friends i just had a complete thyroidectomy done last week still very tight and sore caused i hemoraged  and had to go back to theatre. was u rai done only once.cause im talking to myneck surgeon aboiut treatment next week.who knows may be clear for 20 years and then might come back
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