Need another ablation?

[hawkfan]

I had follicular and papillary cancer 1 1/2 ago.  Had a tt and rai ablation.  Well, now one of my doctors said that I need another ablation because I have some risdual thyroid tissue.  She said that most people you can just read the thyroglobulin test, but I have antibodies in my blood that are preventing that test from being accurate, so she suggests that I do another ablation.  She said there is no need to worry about the cancer but that because I am young (29) I should get it all taken care of now.  I want to know if there really is another reason to do the ablation again.  Last time I had 200mci and she wants to do 250 this time.  I have had 3 body scans.  I just don't want to increase my risks of leukemia or anything else if this is unnecessary.  Plus I won't lie, I REALLY don't want to go off my meds again.  

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Thyroglobulin antibodies in this case.

[lknnc]

What antibodies specifically?

What tests would test for the antibodies mentioned?

I am assuming you mean TSI and TPO.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Tough situation.  I would be reluctant to give high dose I-131 for persistent antibodies only 1.5 years out from the initial treatment.  On average it takes 3 years for antibodies to dissipate after TT/RAI (if all thyroid tissue is eradicated).  Are the I-131 body scans showing something she is concerned about?  Would also look at neck ultrasound to see if there are lymph nodes or significant thyroid tissue remaining.  If there is some doubt, perhaps a second opinion would be reassuring.