high thyroglobin levels and negative scans

[scottie67]

I had papillary thyroid cancer 5 years ago, since that time I have had virtually undetectable thyroglobin levels. I did have a total thyrodectomy. I have since gone to the dr and had a normal blood testing which resulted in a thyroglobin level at 89. After going through WBS, pet scan and mri, all tests completely negative, I am confused. The dr ordered an ablation. Has anyone else had something similar to this.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

would consider a trip to a thyroid cancer center for evaluation before empiric high dose I-131.  Mayo, MD-Anderson, U-Penn, Sloan-Kettering -- depends on where you live and if you able to travel (ie, time and expense).  Ultrasound is very user dependent, but at least that was done first (correct order of things!).  I have seen a few recurrences "hide" from average ultarsound-users though...
You are in IL -- Peter Kopp in Chicago may be a good local second opin.

[scottie67]

I have had a ultrasound done too as well. The ultrasound was the first thing the dr did. That was also negative. Can it be missed on an ultrasound?
Should I ask for another ultrasound?

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Have you had a good neck ultrasound??  This is best done by a thyroid specialist -- lymph nodes in the neck can be missed by WBS, PET and MRI and this needs to be assessed prior to empiric I-131 treatment.