Thyrogobulin ab

[Missy748]

My name is Missy I am 34, I had my Thyroid removed April 24, 2006. I had two types of cancer Papillary and Follicular Cancer. I was then treated with two doses of 131 and then I have had nuc scans. We are military and were stationed in NC last Jan. I was moved away from my regular PCM and Endo. I have a new Endo that doesn't seem so concerned and doesn't really follow up. Since then I have had my gallbladder removed, I have cronic pancreatitis and have not yet been able to regulate my Synthroid. I have an Internal Med Dr. that seems very concerned but the Endo des not. I have had regular blood test. This past year my labs are showing Thyroglobulin AB present, in the first of the year they were low .5 now they are 24.6. I was always told that since I do not have a Thyroid I should not produce any if not little. My Endo is saying his labs are showing that there are none present and my Naval labs for the last year are showing it present. My TSH level is 0.01 and is low. Since then I have developed a huge mass on the left side of my neck and in my arm pit. My Eno did an Ultrasound and said the mass is just muscle and the mass in arm pit is just from extra tissue. I may just be paranoid, but I am very concerned. I do not feel well and I am always tired and just not myself. All of my blood work before  ahd my thyroid removed came back normal and even the fine needle biopsy came back negative. Is the Thyrogobulin AB normal for someone w/out a thyroid? What levels are alarming? Is it true that if I do have Thyroglobulin AB then my TSH should be high and not low? Please help.

[utahmomma]

Since your regular doctor sounds like he/she cares, you might want to consult with an oncologist.  Having had pap and follicular with two courses of RAI, you need to be followed carefully.  Your labs should not have climbed that much and you don't just grow "muscle" and "tissue".   Get to an oncologist or find another endo who is a thyroid specialist.   You've had recurrences so you know, don't mess with this stuff.

Utahmomma
papillary carcinoma '03
recurrence and RAI '06 and possibly '08

[cutiepants97]

I also had my gall bladder out and my lapise level (pancreas) were slightly high. All my thyroid problems started after my gall bladder surgery so I am wondering if there is a link. Were your doctors ever able to tell you why you have chronic pancreatitis. Just curious because I am having all kinds of stomach problems.  Please get back to me.

Sheri

[AR-10]

I hope someone else will come along to answer your questions, but I will give you my thoughts.

Thyrogobulin antibodies (TGab) can be present whether you have a thyroid or not. They should drop to a lower level after all the procedures you have been through, but you may have some antibodies for the rest of your life.

The lab cutoff for TGab is 20, I think, so 24.6 is not that high. Your new Endo may consider anything under lab limits as saying you don't have TGab, but that is obviously not true.

TGab does not affect TSH, except for the fact that TGab contributes to thyroid disease and affects the function of the thyroid. You're past that, so your low TSH is related to your medication doseage, not the TGab directly.

I would get a second opinion on the masses you describe.
How do you just grow an extra muscle?
Where is this extra tissue coming from?
Your Endo should at least be able to explain these problems and answer your questions.

Find another Endo. Maybe your internal medicine doctor can give you some advice and direction.