Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Had Total Thyroidectomy For Papillary Follicular Cancer. Facial And Neck Swelling, Ultrasound Shows Residual Thyroid? Whats TBG Level ?
Question: I had a total thyroidectomy for papillary follicular cancer with now residual neck edema/ lymphadema every morning, I just had a thyroixine binding globulin test and it was 14.1 I also had an ultrasound which showed residual thyroid tissue. My surgery was 6/20 and XXXXXXX 8/16.. I have a lot of residual facial and neck swelling. i am trying to see if I should go for more ablation therapy or what. I have an appt on 11/9 and I want answers now. I am an experienced nurse. Please let me know about the 14.1 TBG level.
Hello and thanks for your query.
I shall make an effort to provide you with good professional recommendations specific to your questions.
First, your TBG levels, I would assume the most commonly used method - electrophoretic indicates your level of 14.1 as absolutely normal. (10-24mg/100 ml)
But, if it was a radioimmunoassay technique, then that same level would mean a rise. (1.3-2 ng/100ml) - Do clarify on this before my total comments please.
Second, let me know if I understood this right - your total thyroidectomy happened on 20 XXXXXXX and Radioactive Iodine therapy on 16 August. If true - then it is now 3 months since intervention. You are already on high dose thyroxine of 0.125 mg daily. I believe you are on right track with the treatment part in here.
TBG levels are normally increased in Hypothyroidism and decreased in Hyperthyroidism. Assuming if you have done the RIA method, then these increased levels show just that - your thyroid has been removed by surgery and destructed by XXXXXXX so, the serum levels of TBG are obviously elevated as there is not as much of T3 and T4 in your blood now. Hence, the high dose of thyroxine is being given to you.
I can see that you are perfectly in line with the expected (if my assumption about RIA is right) line of management, and the upcoming check up on 9 Nov would help your doctor to reassess the same.
Yet again, I duly appreciate your query to me, I do hope that you have found something useful to help you and I shall be glad to answer any further apprehensions.
Sincerely,
I shall make an effort to provide you with good professional recommendations specific to your questions.
First, your TBG levels, I would assume the most commonly used method - electrophoretic indicates your level of 14.1 as absolutely normal. (10-24mg/100 ml)
But, if it was a radioimmunoassay technique, then that same level would mean a rise. (1.3-2 ng/100ml) - Do clarify on this before my total comments please.
Second, let me know if I understood this right - your total thyroidectomy happened on 20 XXXXXXX and Radioactive Iodine therapy on 16 August. If true - then it is now 3 months since intervention. You are already on high dose thyroxine of 0.125 mg daily. I believe you are on right track with the treatment part in here.
TBG levels are normally increased in Hypothyroidism and decreased in Hyperthyroidism. Assuming if you have done the RIA method, then these increased levels show just that - your thyroid has been removed by surgery and destructed by XXXXXXX so, the serum levels of TBG are obviously elevated as there is not as much of T3 and T4 in your blood now. Hence, the high dose of thyroxine is being given to you.
I can see that you are perfectly in line with the expected (if my assumption about RIA is right) line of management, and the upcoming check up on 9 Nov would help your doctor to reassess the same.
Yet again, I duly appreciate your query to me, I do hope that you have found something useful to help you and I shall be glad to answer any further apprehensions.
Sincerely,
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
